The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) would like to notify the public and seek comments on the draft Montana Freight Plan, the state’s first plan to provide guidance for both short- and long-term freight-related transportation investment decisions.
The Montana Freight Plan was developed in accordance with 49 USC 70202 and in alignment with MDT’s long range multi-modal policy plan, TranPlanMT. The plan was developed with input and advisement of freight stakeholders doing business in Montana. This plan will be updated, as required, every five years, or more frequently if necessary.
Safe and efficient movement of freight is vital to the health of Montana’s economy. Montana ranks among the top half of state exporters in 12 industries, including fifth in cement, concrete and tobacco products; ninth in coal and petroleum gases; and 12th in oilseeds and grains. Freight in Montana is moved primarily by truck, rail, and pipeline.
The Montana Freight Plan provides a comprehensive evaluation of freight transportation in the state in addition to:
* Detailing the role freight movement plays in Montana’s economy,
* Identifying significant freight system issues in Montana and strategies for improvement,
* Providing a framework to guide freight-related transportation investment decisions and planned freight investment projects, and
* Informing the public and stakeholders as to how MDT manages the transportation system specifically related to freight.
The Montana Freight Plan must be in place by December 4, 2017, due to new requirements in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and in order for MDT to use freight-specific funding provided through FAST.
For more information and to review the draft plan, please visit the freight plan website at:
http://www.mdt.mt.gov/freightplan/default.shtml
Copies of the draft plan are available on request by contacting MDT at (406) 444-3439 or [email protected].
Comments may be submitted through the website or mailed to Charity Watt at the Rail, Transit and Planning Division, 2960 Prospect Ave., Helena, MT 59620; or [email protected].
Please indicate comments are for the Montana Freight Plan and submit by October 17 to ensure your comments are adequately reviewed and considered for the final study.
Alternative accessible formats of this information will be provided upon request by contacting the Office of Civil Rights, P.O. Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620; (406) 444-9229; fax (406) 444-7243, or e-mail to [email protected]. Those using a TTY may call (800) 335-7592 or through the Montana Relay Service at 711.
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