HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Packet 02.03.2026
AGENDA
CITY OF LAUREL
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 03, 2026
6:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Public Input: Citizens may address the Council regarding any item of City business that is not on tonight’s agenda. The
duration for an individual speaking under Public Input is limited to three minutes. While all comments are welcome, the
Council will not take action on any item not on the agenda. Because of the Rules that govern public meetings, Council is not
permitted to speak in response to any issue raised that is a non-Agenda item. The Mayor may provide factual information in
response, with the intention that the matter may be addressed at a later meeting. In addition, City Council may request that a
particular non-Agenda item be placed on an upcoming Agenda, for consideration. Citizens should not construe Council’s
“silence” on an issue as an opinion, one way or the other, regarding that non-Agenda matter. Council simply cannot debate
an item that is not on the Agenda, and therefore, they must simply listen to the feedback given during public input. If a
citizen would like to speak or comment regarding an item that is on tonight’s agenda, we ask that you wait until the agenda
item is presented to the Council by the Mayor and the public is asked to comment by the Mayor.
Be advised, if a discussion item has an upcoming public hearing, we would request members of the public to reserve your
comments until the public hearing. At the public hearing, the City Council will establish an official record that will include
all of your comments, testimony, and written evidence.
General Items
Executive Review
1. Finance: Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Laurel, Montana
Amending Resolution No. 25-75 And Affirming Continuation Of Services Under The Managed
Service Agreement For Renamed Systems Technology Consultants.
2. Finance: Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Approving A Transportation
Coordination Plan For The City Of Laurel Transit.
Council Issues
3. Discussion - BNSF Communications Tower
4. Closed Executive Session - Litigation
Other Items
Attendance at Upcoming Council Meeting
Announcements
The City makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person’s ability to participate
in this meeting. Persons needing accommodation must notify the City Clerk’s Office to make needed arrangements. To make
your request known, please call 406-628-7431, Ext. 5100, or write to City Clerk, PO Box 10, Laurel, MT 59044, or present
your request at City Hall, 115 West First Street, Laurel, Montana.
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File Attachments for Item:
1. Finance: Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Laurel, Montana
Amending Resolution No. 25-75 And Affirming Continuation Of Services Under The Managed
Service Agreement For Renamed Systems Technology Consultants.
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R26-____ Approve Amendment of Agreement and Resolution Regarding Technology Services
RESOLUTION NO. R26-_____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAUREL,
MONTANA AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 25-75 AND AFFIRMING
CONTINUATION OF SERVICES UNDER THE MANAGED SERVICE
AGREEMENT FOR RENAMED SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANTS.
WHEREAS, the City Council approved a Managed Service Agreement with Morrison-
Maierle Systems Technology Consultant on August 26, 2025;
WHEREAS, Morrison- Maierle Systems Technology Consultants has now changed its
name to Systems Technology Consultants; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to continue to work under the Managed Service
Agreement approved by City Council, but under the new approved business name of Systems
Technology Consultants.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel,
Montana, that the City amends Resolution No. 25-75 to reflect that the continuation of services
is approved, and that the new name for the services contract is Systems Technology
Consultants.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the _____ day of February, 2026,
by Council Member ________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel the _____ day of
February, 2026.
APPROVED by the Mayor the _____ day of February, 2026.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
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R26-____ Approve Amendment of Agreement and Resolution Regarding Technology Services
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
4
File Attachments for Item:
2. Finance: Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Approving A Transportation
Coordination Plan For The City Of Laurel Transit.
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R26-____ Approve Transportation Coordination Plan
RESOLUTION NO. R26-_____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A TRANSPORTATION
COORDINATION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF LAUREL TRANSIT.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana,
Section 1: Approval. The Transportation Coordination Plan for the City of Laurel
Transit (hereinafter “Transportation Coordination Plan”), a copy attached hereto and
incorporated herein, is hereby approved.
Section 2: Execution. The Mayor is hereby given authority to execute the
Transportation Coordination Plan on behalf of the City.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the _____ day of February 2026,
by Council Member ________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel the _____ day of
February 2025.
APPROVED by the Mayor the _____ day of February 2025.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
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TRANSPORTATION COORDINATION PLAN
LAUREL TRANSIT
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
FY-27
Prepared by:
City of Laurel
Kelly Strecker, Clerk/Treasurer
Scheduled for City Council Adoption: February 10, 2026
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Montana Coordination Plan Outline
Adoption by Transportation Advisory Committee:
The relevant transportation providers and agencies are described in more detail.
Laurel Transit:
Laurel Transit (also referred to as the transit system) is working to provide a successful on-
demand service for public transportation within the City limits of Laurel while offering regular
service to Billings. Laurel Transit is looking to contract with as many agencies in the area as
possible to provide expanded service. It is currently not feasible for Laurel to have a fixed route
system; however, accommodations for such a system are being discussed such as bus benches
and signs within the City.
Laurel Transit Schedules:
Laurel Transit operates Monday-Friday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The Billings service route begins at
7:30 and in-town service begins at 10:00 am. Appointments are taken Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-
5:00PM. Billings buses run only on Tuesday’s.
Laurel Transit Fleet:
Laurel Transit has 3 vehicles in our fleet.
2009 Dodge Sprinter: 10 Passenger Van. Mileage is 98,000 and is ADA compliant.
2023 Transit Van: 13 Passenger Van. This is our newest Van. Mileage in under 6,000 and is ADA
compliant.
2024 Endra Van: This is 14 Passenger Van. Mileage is 9,000 and is ADA compliant.
Agencies Involved:
Allies in Aging (formally ARA of YC)-- has partnered with the City of Laurel to provide the
drivers for the buses and the cell phones. Allies in Aging previously operated the senior
bus in Laurel, which was absorbed with the formation of Laurel Transit. The City works
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very closely with Allies in Aging to ensure the level of service delivered through the
senior bus program is continued in Laurel Transit .
Tender Nest Assisted Living—Contact with Tender Nest Assisted Living continues, and
the facility has contracted with the City for vouchers.
COR – There is a plan to include COR in future TAC meetings.
Riverstone Health – The transit system is working to contract demand/response service
for Riverstone Health patients.
Laurel Senior Center – The Ford Endura and the Transit buses currently stored in a
garage at the Senior Center. The Dodge Springer is currently being stored at the City
Shop garage. Frequent trips are taken to the senior center for rider visits.
Laurel Health and Rehab- Continues to utilize the bus service for transportation
purposes for their clients and residents.
MET- contact with MET in Billings has been made in hopes to grow the Laurel Transit
system and gain new ideas.
Public Involvement:
The Transportation Advisory Committee meets quarterly. Meetings notices are published on
the City of Laurel website and at City Hall. Meetings are open to the general public. For more
participation at TAC meetings, more community outreach will be done to involve public
participation.
Private Sector:
The City of Laurel does not have any private transportation system available.
Needs Assessment and Plan to Increase Ridership:
Laurel Transit will be starting focus groups this fiscal year in order to determine the needs of
the community and their transit provider. The focus groups will include current riding members,
City staff, other transportation providers, healthcare employers, and other members from the
community. The groups will focus on the current challenges the transit program faces and get a
better idea of how to improve the system.
The Laurel Transit System has stepped up its ad vertising strategies by designing and distributing
flyers with route information and publishing that flyer in the Yellowstone County News on a
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regular basis. There have been talks with Allies in Aging regarding placing advertisements on
the new transit bus. This type of advertisement may be an option for other local businesses.
Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Meetings:
The Laurel TAC meets on a quarterly basis. The TAC is comprised of City staff, community
interested members and representatives from Residential Support Services, Allies in Aging, and
other interested parties. For more participation at TAC meetings, more community outreach
will be done to involve public participation.
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File Attachments for Item:
3. Discussion - BNSF Communications Tower
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Phase I Background
Investigation for the
Laurel East Tower
TCNS 305527
Yellowstone County, Montana
January 2026
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Phase I Background Investigation for the Laurel
East Tower, Yellowstone County, Montana
Prepared For:
BNSF Railway
Lead Agency:
Federal Communications Commission
Prepared by:
Amy Leuchtmann, Archaeologist
HDR
10450 Holmes Rd., Suite 600
Kansas City, MO 64131
January 2026
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BNSF Railway | Laurel East Tower Background Investigation
ABSTRACT
i
Abstract
Under contract to BNSF Railway (BNSF), HDR conducted a Phase I background investigation for
the Laurel East Tower (TCNS 305527), Yellowstone County, Montana (Latitude 45.68211,
Longitude -108.7153; UTM Zone 12, 677919.86 E, 5061266.66 N). The proposed tower is a 120-
foot-tall lattice tower. The direct Area of Potential Effects (APE) is less than 5000 square feet
within an existing railyard. The purpose of the investigation was to identify previously recorded
historic properties within the direct and visual APE of the project and recommend follow-up survey
if necessary. The investigation was completed to assist BNSF in meeting its regulatory obligations
pursuant to the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for the Review of Effects on Historic
Properties for Certain Undertakings Approved by the Federal Communications Commission
(NPA; FCC 2004).
In October 2025, HDR staff conducted background research using data provided by the Montana
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Research encompassed previous cultural resource
surveys, previously identified archaeological sites and aboveground properties (e.g., historical
built environment resources), and a review of resources listed in the National Register of Historic
Places (NRHP).
This report presents the results of the cultural resources literature search completed for the
proposed Laurel East Tower in Yellowstone County, Montana. HDR understands that the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will be the federal agency responsible for
compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and
implementation of regulations found at 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 800. As defined in
the 2004 NPA, the project’s APE is the footprint of the proposed tower for direct effects and a 0.5-
mile radius from the proposed tower location for visual effects.
The Phase I background investigation of the Laurel East Tower project identified no previously
recorded subsurface or Pre-Contact archaeological sites within the direct APE nor within a 1-mile
radius of the direct APE. Due to the disturbed nature of the project location and the small area of
ground disturbance required, there is little to no potential to impact intact archaeological
resources. For built environment resources, 2 NRHP-eligible properties (24YL0277 and
24YL2131) and 1 NRHP-listed property, Mossmain Overpass (24YL0698) were identified within
the 0.5-mile visual APE. Resources 24YL277 and 24YL2131 are associated with the Northern
Pacific Railroad, with the latter located adjacent to the direct APE. The other two resources are
located 400 feet northeast of the project location. The proposed tower’s presence within an active
railroad right-of-way (ROW) would not diminish the setting or limit the ability of these resources
to convey their historic, architectural, and engineering significance. Furthermore, due to existing
infrastructure, namely utility lines, railroad infrastructure, and an existing lattice communications
tower, the historic setting of these resources has already been compromised.
HDR recommends a finding of No Adverse Effects for this project and additionally recommends
no further cultural resources work for the Laurel East Tower project, as defined in this report.
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BNSF Railway | Laurel East Tower Background Investigation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ii
Table of Contents
Abstract .......................................................................................................................................................... i
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Area of Potential Effects ............................................................................................................................... 1
Previous Investigations and Known Archaeological Sites ............................................................................ 1
Known Aboveground Historic Properties Investigations ............................................................................. 2
Effects Discussion ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Archaeological Resources ......................................................................................................................... 3
Aboveground Resources ........................................................................................................................... 3
Conclusions and Recommendations ......................................................................................................... 5
References Cited ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Appendices
Appendix A: Project Maps .................................................................................................. A-1
Appendix B: Project Location Photographs ........................................................................ B-1
Appendix C: Key Staff Resumes ......................................................................................... B-5
Appendix D: FCC Form 620 ............................................................................................... D-1
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BNSF Railway | Laurel East Tower Background Investigation
INTRODUCTION
1
Introduction
Under contract to BNSF Railway (BNSF), HDR conducted a Phase I background investigation for
the Laurel East Tower (TCNS 305527), Yellowstone County, Montana (Latitude 45.68211,
Longitude -108.7153; UTM Zone 12, 677919.86 E, 5061266.66 N). The purpose of the
investigation was to identify previously recorded historic properties within the direct and visual
area of potential effects (APE) of the project and recommend follow-up survey if necessary. The
investigation was completed to assist BNSF in meeting its regulatory obligations pursuant to the
Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for the Review of Effects on Historic Properties for Certain
Undertakings Approved by the Federal Communications Commission (NPA; FCC 2004).
Area of Potential Effects
The process for determining the direct and visual APE is outlined in the 2004 NPA between the
FCC, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), and the National Conference of State
Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) in Section VI: Identification, Evaluation, and
Assessment of Effects. The project’s direct APE is defined here as the footprint of the proposed
tower. The direct APE is less than 5000 square feet within an active railyard. In Section VI.C.3,
the APE for visual effects is defined as “the geographic area in which the Undertaking has the
potential to introduce visual elements that diminish or alter the setting, including the landscape,
where the setting is a character-defining feature of a Historic Property that makes it eligible for
listing in the National Register” (FCC 2004). The proposed tower is a 120-foot-tall lattice tower. In
accordance with the NPA, a 0.5-mile visual APE was used to assess visual impacts on
aboveground historic properties. A 1 mile study area was assessed for previously identified
archaeological sites and previously conducted surveys (Appendix A, Figure 1 and Figure 2).
Section VI.D.1 of the NPA states that only the records at the state historic preservation office
(SHPO) are to be reviewed, “with respect to these properties, Applicants are not required to
undertake a Field Survey or other measures other than reviewing these records in order to identify
Historic Properties” (FCC 2004:17). HDR staff conducted the Phase I background investigation
by requesting and reviewing data on all archaeological sites within 1 mile of the proposed project
from the Montana SHPO in October 2025.
Previous Investigations and Known
Archaeological Sites
Eight previous surveys have been conducted within 1 mile of the direct APE (Table 1), none of
which intersect the direct APE. No subsurface or Pre-contact archaeological sites have been
recorded within the direct APE, nor within 1 mile of the project location.
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BNSF Railway | Laurel East Tower Background Investigation
KNOWN ABOVEGROUND HISTORIC PROPERTIES INVESTIGATIONS
2
Table 1. Previous Surveys within 1 Mile of Project.
Survey No. Project Author Year
CB 6 39770 Proposed Elk Basin-Billings Expansion Line
Section 22 Wagers, Scott J. 2018
YL 4 10686 Cultural Resource Inventory and Assessment:
Laurel East – Mossman Fredlund, Lynn B. 1985
YL 4 25365
A Class III Cultural Resources Inventory of the
Kindsfather Pit Wetlands Project in
Yellowstone County Montana
Strait, James D. 2002
YL 4 28154
Laurel Turn Lane: A Cultural Resource
Inventory Along East Main Steet from Alder
Avenue to Milwaukee Road to Laurel, Montana
Fandrich, Blain 2005
YL 6 39416
WBI Energy Pipeline Replacement/Removal
Segment of the Elk Basin-Billings Main Line
Between Interstate 90 and Northern Pacific
Railroad in Laurel
Lopez, Maxwell 2018
YL 6 39421 Phase I Background Investigation for the
Laurel East Tower Leuchtmann, Amy 2018
YL 6 41604
Cultural Resource Inventory of Non-
Jurisdictional Lands on the Cenex Pipeline of
Replacement-Laurel to Pryor Creek Road
Project in Yellowstone County, Montana
Lee, Jennifer Borresen and
Kimberly Troendle 2022
YL 6 41605
Cultural Resource Inventory of USACE
Jurisdictional Lands on the Cenex Pipeline of
Replacement-Laurel to Pryor Creek Road
Project in Yellowstone County, Montana
Lee, Jennifer Borresen and
Kimberly Troendle 2001
Known Aboveground Historic Properties
Investigations
Three historic built environment resources were identified within the Project’s 0.5-mile visual APE
during the record search (Table 2). The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)-eligible
Northern Pacific Railroad (24YL277) was identified adjacent to the direct APE. NRHP-eligible
resource 24YL2131 (Historic Railroad) and NRHP-listed resource 24YL0698 (Mossmain
Overpass) were identified 400 feet to the northeast of the project location. Descriptions of these
resources are provided below in the Effects Discussion.
Table 2. NRHP-Listed or -Eligible Historic Built Environment Resources within 0.5 Mile of Project.
Site
Number Resource Distance and Direction
from the Direct APE NRHP Status
24YL0277 Northern Pacific Railroad Adjacent to the north Eligible
24YL2131 Historic Railroad 400 feet northeast Eligible
24YL0698 Mossmain Overpass 400 feet northeast Listed
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EFFECTS DISCUSSION
3
Effects Discussion
Archaeological Resources
No previously identified sub-surface or Pre-Contact archaeological resources are located within
the direct APE nor within a 1-mile radius of the direct APE.
The location’s soil consists of Vanada silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes; a deep, well-drained soil
found on fans, lakebed (relict,) and terraces. Culturally sterile parent material (C-horizon) is
generally reached within the upper 17 to 62 inches (43.18 – 157.48 centimeters; USDA 2026).
The 5000-square-foot direct APE (Appendix B, Figure 3 through Figure 6) is located within
existing railroad right-of-way (ROW). This ROW has been the site of construction activities
including grading/leveling, compaction, and the replacement of ballast, ties, and rails since the
mid-twentieth century. There is little to no potential for tower installation to impact intact
subsurface archaeological deposits due to the disturbed nature of the project area.
Related to direct effects, Section VI.D.2(a) of the 2004 NPA states that the Applicant should make
a good faith effort to identify sites/properties in the direct APE, which may include field survey,
and Section VI.D.2(b) allows for a Secretary of the Interior (SOI) qualified individual to determine
that a field survey is not required as long as such evidence is provided to meet criteria in Section
VI.D.2(c). These criteria are: 1) the depth of previous disturbance exceeds the proposed
construction depth (excluding footings and other anchoring mechanisms) by at least 2 feet as
documented in the Applicant’s siting analysis; or 2) geomorphological evidence indicates that
cultural resource-bearing soils do not occur within the project area, or may occur, but at depths
that exceed 2 feet below the proposed construction depth. Information supporting these criteria
is presented throughout this report. Should an interested party possess information supporting a
high probability of the presence of intact archaeological sites within the APE for direct effects,
HDR must be notified of such information pursuant to Section VI.D.2(e) of the 2004 NPA.
Aboveground Resources
According to the 2004 NPA, Stipulation VI.A.3, “the APE for visual effects is the geographic area
in which the Undertaking has the potential to introduce visual elements that diminish or alter the
setting, including the landscape, where the setting is a character-defining feature of a Historic
Property (emphasis added) that makes it eligible for listing on the National Register” (FCC
2004:16). Under this guidance, if setting is not a contributing element to the eligibility of a historic
property, potential adverse effects resulting from changes within a property’s viewshed are
limited, as those changes are less likely to impact the property’s ability to convey its historic,
architectural, and/or engineering significance.
24YL0277 and 24LY2131 (Northern Pacific Railroad)
The Northern Pacific Railroad (NP), a significant historic transportation corridor constructed
beginning ca. 1883 through parts of Montana, was the first of the so-called “northern route
transcontinental” railroad lines. Its character-defining features include tracks, ties, buildings,
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BNSF Railway | Laurel East Tower Background Investigation
EFFECTS DISCUSSION
4
grade, culverts, bridges, road crossings, firebreaks, wooden power poles, mile posts, signage,
water stations, tunnels, switching equipment, and right-of-way fences. The railroad was originally
constructed as a single-track line on a grade with passing tracks or sidings generally situated at
4- to 5-mile intervals. NP is eligible for listing in the NRHP under Criterion A for its statewide
significance in the areas of Commerce and Transportation. The NP is also eligible under Criterion
B for its association with railroad financier Jay Cooke.
The Yellowstone County portion of NP extends southwest-northeast from near Laurel to near
Custer, on the way passing through Billings, Lockwood, Huntley, Warden, and Pompey’s Pillar.
NP (24LY277) is now owned and operated by BNSF. A second site number (24LY2131) is
associated with the NP west and north of Laurel, including a small spur where the main track
splits into a north and easterly direction. The railroad right-of-way in the Yellowstone portion of
the NP is characterized in many sections by rail infrastructure components, such as modern metal
cabinets with attached monopoles and crossing structures. The 1-90 and transmission line
corridors, which generally date to the mid-twentieth century, often run parallel to NP throughout
the county. The proposed tower location is approximately 700 feet north of I-90.
The proposed tower location’s setting is characterized by residential neighborhoods to the north
and the I-90 Expressway Corridor and agricultural fields to the south. The proposed tower would
be situated at the northeast end of an existing BNSF railyard. It would be installed approximately
150 feet northeast of an existing lattice tower with further existing BNSF infrastructure
components in the near vicinity, including utility lines and signaling equipment (Figure 7). A wood
pole transmission line runs southwest-northeast directly south of the tower location.
The project would introduce one modern component into the larger corridor to maintain ongoing
rail function. The proposed tower would not diminish integrity of setting, which has already been
substantially altered by modern rail and power infrastructure. Furthermore, the proposed tower
would not impact any character-defining features, such as rail location or alignment, tracks, ties,
buildings, culverts or bridges, or diminish NP’s integrity of location, design, materials,
workmanship, feeling, or association. Thus, the proposed tower would not result in an adverse
effect to a historic property.
24YL0698 (Mossmain Overpass)
The Mossmain Overpass is a three-span continuous span steel girder bridge built in 1936 as part
of Old U.S. Highway 10 (Figure 8). The bridge is still in use today as part of the modern State
Highway 90 and spans the existing BNSF railroad approximately 400 miles to the northeast. Since
its construction nearly a century ago, the general setting of the area has seen extensive change
due to the expansion of the town of Laurel, as well as the introduction of Interstate-90. In 2012,
the bridge was included in the NRHP due to its significance in transportation (Criterion A) and
engineering (Criterion C).
The proposed tower, a required component of the railroad system, would introduce a modern
infrastructure element into the setting to maintain ongoing rail function. Views from the NRHP-
listed Mossmain Overpass have already been impacted by existing vertical infrastructure,
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EFFECTS DISCUSSION
5
including tall BNSF signal structures, wood-pole transmission line structures, and modern BNSF
components (railroad signaling equipment). Thus, the proposed tower would not result in an
adverse effect to a historic property.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Relative to the scale and nature of this proposed monopole’s potential for impacts (a 120-foot-tall
lattice tower), HDR’s cultural resources experts have assessed the location’s geomorphology,
topographic setting, history, and the potential for direct and visual impacts. Due to the disturbed
nature of the project area and the small area of ground disturbance required for the proposed
project, there is little to no potential to impact intact archaeological resources. For built
environment resources, 2 NRHP-eligible properties (24YL0277 and 24YL2131) and 1 NRHP-
listed property, Mossmain Overpass (24YL0698) were identified within the 0.5-mile visual APE.
Resources 24YL0277 and 24YL2131 are associated with the Northern Pacific Railroad, with the
latter located adjacent to the direct APE. The other two resources are located 400 feet northeast
of the project location. The proposed tower’s presence within an active railroad right-of-way
(ROW) would not diminish the setting or limit the ability of these resources to convey their historic,
architectural, and engineering significance. Furthermore, due to existing infrastructure, namely
utility lines, railroad infrastructure, and an existing lattice communications tower, the historic
setting of these resources has already been compromised.
HDR recommends a finding of No Adverse Effects for this project and additionally recommends
no further cultural resources work for the Laurel East Tower project as defined in this report.
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REFERENCES CITED
6
References Cited
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
2004 Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Review of Effects on Historic Properties for
Certain Undertakings Approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC 04-
222). Available online, http://wireless.fcc.gov/siting/npa/FCC-04-222A3.pdf, accessed
August 2024.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
2025 USDA Web Soil Survey. Electronic document, Available online,
https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm
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Appendix A: Project Maps
A-1
Appendix A: Project Maps
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Appendix A: Project Maps
A-2
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Appendix A: Project Maps
A-3
Figure 1. Topographical Map Depicting the Proposed Project Location, Visual APE, and Study Area
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Appendix A: Project Maps
A-4
Figure 2. Aerial Map Depicting the Proposed Project Location, Visual APE, and Study Area
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Appendix B: Project Location Photographs
B-1
Appendix B: Project Location Photographs
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Appendix B: Project Location Photographs
B-2
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Appendix B: Project Location Photographs
B-3
Figure 3. Location of the Proposed Laurel East Tower, View North.
Figure 4. Location of the Proposed Laurel East Tower, View East.
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Appendix B: Project Location Photographs
B-4
Figure 5. Location of the Proposed Laurel East Tower, View South.
Figure 6. Location of the Proposed Laurel East Tower, View West.
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Appendix B: Project Location Photographs
B-5
Figure 7. View from Mossmain Overpass towards grouping of BNSF infrastructure components
and existing communications tower, view southwest (Google Street View January 2026).
Figure 8. View of Mossmain Overpass (24YL0698) from Shannon Road, south of the Laurel East
Tower location (indicated by red arrow) in the foreground, (Google Street View January 2026).
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Appendix B: Project Location Photographs
B-6
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Appendix C: Key Staff Resumes
C-1
Appendix C: Key Staff Resumes
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C-2
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C-5 38
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C-6 39
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C-7 40
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C-8 41
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C-9
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Appendix C: Key Staff Resumes
C-10
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Appendix D: FCC Form 620
D-1
Appendix D: FCC Form 620
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BNSF Railway | Laurel East Tower Background Investigation
Appendix D: FCC Form 620
D-2
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Brittney Harakal
From:Kurt Markegard
Sent:Wednesday, January 28, 2026 4:58 PM
To:Brittney Harakal; Civil Attorney
Cc:City Mayor; Kelly Strecker; Forrest Sanderson
Subject:FW: Section 106 New Filing Submitted- Email ID #11984036
Same notification.
Kurt
From: towernotifyinfo@fcc.gov <towernotifyinfo@fcc.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 1:46 PM
To: Laurel City Planner <cityplanner@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Section 106 New Filing Submitted- Email ID #11984036
The following new Section 106 filing has been submitted:
File Number: 0011867242
TCNS Number: 305527
Purpose: New Tower Submission Packet
Notification Date: 7AM EST 01/15/2026
Applicant: BNSF
Consultant: HDR
Positive Train Control Filing Subject to Expedited Treatment Under Program Comment: No
Site Name: BNSF Laurel MT
Site Address: BNSF Railroad R/W
Detailed Description of Project:
Site Coordinates: 45-40-55.6 N, 108-22-17.5 W
City: Laurel
County: YELLOWSTONE
State:MT
Lead SHPO/THPO: State Historic Preservation Office (Montana)
Consultant Contact Information:
Name: HDR
Title:
PO Box:
Address: 10450 Holmes Rd
City: Kansas City
State: MO
Zip: 64131
Phone: 816-412-1448
Fax:
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Email: jennifer.schwaller@hdrinc.com
NOTICE OF FRAUDULENT USE OF SYSTEM, ABUSE OF PASSWORD AND RELATED MISUSE
Use of the Section 106 system is intended to facilitate consultation under Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act and may contain information that is confidential, privileged or otherwise
protected from disclosure under applicable laws. Any person having access to Section 106 information
shall use it only for its intended purpose. Appropriate action will be taken with respect to any misuse of
the system.
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