2701 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT
Mailing: PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620-1001
This division provides a broad range of multimodal planning, program, and data collection and analysis functions that support MDT's efforts to plan for and manage Montana's multimodal transportation system. The division includes the Data and Analysis Bureau, Multimodal Planning Bureau, Transit, Safety and Planning Bureau, and the Environmental Services Bureau.
Data and Analysis Bureau
The primary responsibilities of this bureau consist of collecting, processing, analyzing and reporting general highway–related transportation data in Montana. Some of the specific areas of responsibility include general road inventory, traffic data, the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS), calculation of state fuel tax and Secondary roads allocations to local governments, and GIS mapping and analysis. The bureau is also responsible for establishing Montana's Statewide Transportation Plan, which sets a direction and vision for how the transportation system will be managed and developed into the future.
Multimodal Planning Bureau
The bureau develops and implements the programs, processes, systems, and planning products necessary to make informed policy and programming decisions. Bureau responsibilities include state rail, the statewide multimodal transportation planning process; air quality planning and programs; tourism, economic development, trade corridor, and freight planning and programs; bicycle and pedestrian planning; publications and public outreach; and development of special studies and research products such as reports requested by the Legislature. Bureau responsibilities also include statewide and urban planning and program administration.
Transit, Safety and Planning Bureau
The bureau manages funding programs from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as the Emergency Medical Services grants and some limited state transit funds. Staff allocates funds from various program sources and assists grantees to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations associated with the use of these funds. The bureau also coordinates the Systems Impact Analysis Process (SIAP) reviews for large developments and facilities impacting state roadways and non–MDT–initiated environmental review processes.
Environmental Services Bureau
The bureau's mission for MDT is to be the expert regarding all environmental issues, concerns, and opportunities. The bureau provides leadership for the department to ensure environmental excellence and compliance with all laws, rules, regulations, policies, orders, and agreements. Impacts of transportation construction and maintenance activities on natural, social, and economic resources are identified and evaluated; and measures are recommended to avoid, minimize, or mitigate such impacts in compliance with applicable state, federal, and tribal regulations and policies. Resources evaluated by the bureau include those pertaining to fish, wildlife, vegetation, wetlands, water quality, historic, cultural, archaeological, paleontological, hazardous and solid waste, erosion control, air quality, noise, visual, social, and economic.