The Wye area has been identified by County planning and zoning as a key area to focus growth in Missoula. In general, it takes its name from the "Y"- shaped intersection of Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 93, approximately 8.8 miles northwest of the City of Missoula.

Existing conditions at the Wye that encourage growth include relative proximity to the City center, hospitals, employment centers, Interstate 90, Highway 93, Missoula Airport, rail, rural fire, schools, access to open lands and sewer service. It is also worth noting that this area is attractive for growth because it is not prime farmland in need of preserving. In looking at long-term population growth projections over the next 10 to 20 years, it is clear the Wye needs a street network, storm and ground water management, a central water and wastewater system, and workforce housing to support value-adding enterprises that will, in turn, contribute to the overall economic well-being of the County.

In 2020, Missoula County created the Wye Targeted Economic Development District in support of retention, expansion and recruitment of value-adding economic development projects based on a previous finding of infrastructure deficiency for industry in the area. Following the 2022 adoption of zoning that calls for even greater industrial growth in the area, Missoula County adopted another resolution of infrastructure deficiency in August 2023 that lays groundwork for the creation of an additional TEDD at the Wye, surrounding and separate from the existing Wye TEDD created in 2020. To differentiate it from the existing Wye TEDD, the area being considered is referred to as the Wye 2 area.

Missoula County has entered a separate contract with WGM Group for Wye infrastructure planning, to evaluate alternatives for the Wye 2 area as well as the existing Wye TEDD. The Planning, Development and Sustainability is managing that work, and recommendations are expected in 2024. The Wye Infrastructure Plan is expected to be adopted as a plan for both Wye TEDDs.

For more information about the Wye Targeted Economic Development District and Wye Infrastructure Plan visit www.missoulacountyvoice.com.

Map

Blue outline: Wye 2 TEDD
Yellow: Wye TEDD