Montana Department of Transportation

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is performing a limited amendment of TranPlan 21, Montana’s statewide long-range transportation policy plan. The primary purpose of this amendment is to ensure the plan meets the requirements of the most recent federal transportation legislation – the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

The limited amendment addresses several issues including:

• Consideration of Transportation System Security;
• Incorporation of Visualization Techniques into Public Involvement Activities;
• Integration of the Montana Comprehensive Highway Safety Plan;
• Consistency with Growth and Economic Development Plans;
• New Consultation Requirements;
• Statewide Plans/Environmental Mitigation Activities;
• Capital, Operations, and System Management Strategies, Investments, Procedures, and Other Measures

Although more limited in scope than a full plan update effort, the amendment process has included public outreach and the participation of Federal, State and Tribal resource agencies and builds on public involvement provided through previous updates of TranPlan 21. Background papers for each area bulleted above explain the reasons for the proposed changes.

The draft amended TranPlan 21 policy papers are listed on the right. New text is shown underlined and deleted text is shown with a strike through. Comments can be submitted in a variety of ways, including:

• Calling the toll free hot line at 1-800-714-7296
• E-mailing comments to:
• Sending written comments to:
  Carol Strizich
  Rail, Transit and Planning
  Montana Department of Transportation
  P.O. Box 201001
  Helena, MT 59620-1001

Comments on the proposed changes will be accepted until December 31, 2007. Thank you for your participation and assistance in this effort.