Montana Department of Transportation

FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

The MDT developed the Corridor Planning Process in an effort to better coordinate and link the planning process with the NEPA/MEPA process. It is important to note that the Corridor Planning Study is developed strictly as a planning project and not a design project. The results of the study will be used to determine the level of environmental documentation to be used prior to continuation of the NEPA/MEPA process and project implementation.

Historically, when a highway engineering deficiency was identified, the project was advanced to a preliminary design phase, and an environmental document under NEPA/MEPA was developed. This document identified and analyzed alternatives and their associated impacts. The Toston Missouri River Corridor Planning Study allows for earlier planning-level coordination with the public, resource and other agencies, and will develop specific factors that can be used in the subsequent environmental review process as projects are moved forward from the study. The corridor study is designed to help facilitate a smooth and efficient transition from transportation planning to project development/environmental review.

NEPA is the National Environmental Policy Act. Modeled after NEPA, MEPA is the Montana Environmental Policy Act, and it only applies to state agencies and state actions. NEPA/MEPA is a federal law that outlines policies and goals to be complied with to protect our environment. The NEPA/MEPA process also makes sure that environmental information is available to the public before decisions are made and carried out.

The Toston Missouri River Corridor Planning Study is a pre-NEPA/MEPA study that will include a high level environmental scan of potential issues that may arise as a project is moved forward from this study and identifies potential mitigation opportunities.

For additional information, refer to MDT's corridor study process

In order to maintain a smooth and efficient transition from transportation planning to project development/environmental review, the MDT has established several steps that will be followed to produce an effective corridor study plan. These include:

1. Identify corridor study candidate. The US 287 corridor near Toston, Montana has known deficiencies and concerns and has been identified for further study by MDT and FHWA.
2. Develop corridor study work plan. The planning team will assess the complexity of issues within the corridor and the level of effort required to address the issues.
3. Develop existing and projected conditions report. The report will analyze existing and projected conditions, incorporate findings from an environmental scan, and consider local community vision, goals and objectives. Perceived corridor deficiencies, known impacts and potential mitigation opportunities will be documented as part of the report.
4. Identify needs, issues, impacts, goals, and screening criteria. The planning team will consider comments from resource agencies and public involvement to develop screening criteria and objectives for improvement options analysis. The screening criteria will be related to the identified needs, issues, impacts, goals, costs, and funding and resources available.
5. Determine improvement options advanced and not advanced. The planning team will analyze each improvement option using the identified screening criteria leading to a selection of preliminary improvement options advanced and not advanced.
6. Recommend improvement options. The planning team will recommend a complete package of improvement option(s) for improving the Toston Missouri River corridor. Potential impacts and mitigation opportunities will be identified within the corridor.
7. Prepare draft corridor study report. Based on key findings, needs, screening criteria, and recommendations, the planning team will develop a draft corridor study report. Consultation and comments on the draft report will be obtained from resource agencies as well as through public involvement.
8. Make recommendations. The planning team will finalize the corridor study report. This Corridor Planning Study may then transition forward to project development and environmental review.

The results of the study will be used to determine the level of environmental documentation to be used prior to any projects moving forward, as well as the identification of funding sources and phasing of potential improvements. The corridor planning study will identify improvement options and the potential for environmental impacts, and identify potential mitigation efforts to minimize such environmental impacts. The study serves as a planning process, not a design or environmental process. Recommendations will consider the least environmental impact and feasibility.

The Montana Department of Transportation is the contracting authority for this study. The Helena office of CDM is assisting the MDT in completing the planning effort by the end of October, 2010.

The general public is invited to participate in the process through public meetings (yet-to-be scheduled but anticipated to begin near the end of February, 2010) and ongoing project information review and input. This project web site has been developed to provide on-line opportunities to comment on the needs of the US 287 corridor and later on the draft plan recommendations. Dates, times, and locations for all public outreach will be announced prior to the events through the local media and the project mailing list.

CDM and the MDT will collect and consider all public comments received to better understand the public view of potential issues. The team will then determine the next steps that best meets the study purpose and has the support of cooperating organizations, regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and the general public.

Those with a specific interest in the project are encouraged to join the project mailing list. They can do so by submitting their name and contact information to Jeff Key at the address or e-mail shown below, calling the recorded comment line at (800) 714-7296, or completing and returning the project comment sheets from the public meetings or found on this website.

To keep the public informed about the study, project information is being published on this web site, in local media venues, and in newsletters. The public may also provide input or questions by contacting:

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