BNSF News

Lt. Gov. Walsh celebrates dedication of Whitefish Landing with BNSF and the city of Whitefish

2013-08-05

BNSF, Lt. Gov. John Walsh and the city of Whitefish on Aug. 1 recognized the completion of the Whitefish River cleanup project with a public ceremony and dedication of a new public river access.

Whitefish Landing will be a new public park and non-motorized river access point. It is made possible by a $25,000 grant from the BNSF Railway Foundation, and it coincides with the completion of a five-year project to remove contaminated sediment from the Whitefish River and also the Mackinaw Bay cleanup on Whitefish Lake. The location of the landing and park also allows direct access to the pedestrian pathway that leads to the city center.

"BNSF appreciated the cooperation of the city and the community while we worked on this project. We are proud of BNSF's deep ties to the Whitefish community and hope this new park will be a long lasting symbol of that connection," said Allen Stegman, BNSF's general director, Environmental.

"This generous donation by BNSF exemplifies the company's commitment to making Whitefish a better place and being good stewards of the environment," said Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld. "This long-term lease, and access to the river, will provide new opportunities for the public to recreate and enjoy one of the most treasured assets we have in our town. This city is extremely grateful for this gift and BNSF's efforts to clean up the Whitefish River."

"Whitefish Landing will be valuable for locals and visitors alike to recreate in Whitefish," Walsh said. "Public access to our pristine rivers and natural lands is a value all Montanans share. The park is also great for the community's economy with its direct access to the city center. I want to recognize the generous support of BNSF Railway, the city of Whitefish and everyone who worked to help clean up the Whitefish River. It's important to remember that despite the success we're looking at today, there remains more work to be done at the BNSF in Whitefish. Good things happen when people work together as we have seen today, and we are looking forward to wrapping up all these sites in the near future. "

Cleanup work began in 2009 and was completed in late June of 2013. In coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, BNSF removed more than 26,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment and backfilled it with rock. More than 1.5 miles of the Whitefish River have been remediated. Re-vegetation work will continue for the next several months, with much of the planting to occur during favorable conditions in the fall.

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