The draft Montana Freight Plan is available for comment.

The draft Montana Freight Plan is available for comment. This is 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.

Safe and efficient movement of freight is vital to the health of Montana's economy. 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 Dec. 4, 2017, due to new requirements of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and in order for MDT to use freight specific funding provided through the FAST Act.

Copies of the draft plan are available on request by contacting Charity Watt, cwatt@mt.gov.

Comments may be submitted through mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml or mailed to Charity Watt at the Rail, Transit and Planning Division, 2960 Prospect Ave., Helena, Mont., 59620; or via email.

Please indicate comments are for the Montana Freight Plan and submit by Oct. 17 to ensure your comments are adequately reviewed and considered for the final study.

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