HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-24-23 Correspondence - M. Long - Requirement to Designate a Metropolitan Planning Organization 2701 Prospect•PO Box 201001
Malcolm D. Long,Director Helena MT 59620-1001
January 18, 2023
Cyndy Andrus, Mayor
City of Bozeman
121 N. Rouse Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59715
Zach Brown, Chair
Gallatin County Commission
311 W. Main St.
Bozeman, MT 59715
Subject: Notice of Requirement to Designate a Metropolitan Planning Organization
The purpose of this letter is to notify the affected jurisdictions within the 2020 Census designated
Bozeman Urban Area of the requirement to form a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), per 23
USC 134 and 23 CFR 450.
A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is created and designated to carry out the metropolitan
transportation planning process. 23 CFR 450 requires an urban area with a population of more than
50,000 be designated an MPO;the 2020 decennial census Bozeman Urban Area population is
59,080. MPOs are designated by agreement between the governor and local governments.
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is responsible for administration of the federal
program and the department's role is to facilitate the designation process and provide oversight to
ensure it is consistent with federal law.
On December 9, 2022, MDT hosted a meeting with technical staff from the jurisdictions to prepare for
this designation. It is anticipated the designation process will take approximately a year to complete
and local jurisdictions will be responsible for coordination at the local level. It will be the responsibility
of technical staff from each jurisdiction to keep local decision makers and elected officials informed of
the designation process.
MDT will coordinate next steps with staff from local jurisdictions following delivery of this letter. If you
have questions regarding this notice, please contact Mitch Buthod, Butte District Planner, at
(406) 444-9274 or at
Sincerely,
1 F '
Malcolm D. Long
Director
copies: Rob Stapley, MDT Division Administrator, Rail; Transit & Planning Division
Geno Liva, MDT Butte District Administrator
Carol Strizich, MDT Muitimodai Planning Bureau Chief
Dave Gates, MDT Butte District Preconstruction Engineer
Russell C. Nelson, Mayor, City of Belgrade
Directors Office Web Page: www.mdt.mt.gov
Phone: (406)444-6201 An Equal Opportunity Employer Road Report: (800)226-7623 or 511
Fax: (406)444-7643 TTY. (800)335-7592