HomeMy WebLinkAboutDept. of Transp. - new mapsMontana Department
of Transportation
April 20, 2000
2701 Prospect Avenue
PO Box 201001
Helena MT 59620-1001
Laurel City Commission
City Clerk
P.O. Box 10
Laurel, MT 59044-0010
APR 2 4 2000
CITY OF LAUREL
Subject: New Montana Highway Map I~3r public comment
Every two years the Department of Transportation goes through a public involvement process to
update the Official Montana Highway Map. This year, due to the extra public interest in the map,
we would appreciate your efforts in encouraging the public to let us know what changes they like
or dislike. The public comment period extends through June 20 and I'll be receiving comments at
the address shown below.
Tourist Map
Planning Division, MDT
2701 Prospect Avenue
Helena, MT 59620-1001
We are distributing more than 350 copies of the draft map statewide tier review and comment.
Every city and county government and Chamber of Commerce in Montana will be sent one.
Here are some things we ask you to consider as you review the enclosed draft copy of the new
map:
· It was developed using a digital (computer-based) fom~at. Map users will notice the new
process improves accuracy.
· This new map includes additional miles of rbad and other physical and topographical features
that weren't on previous maps. For example, additional streams and lakes, campsites, and
new ghost town symbols.
· The highway map has always shown only a portion of public roads. Of nearly 70,000 miles
of public road that exist in Montana, only 20,000 miles appear on the map. The addition of an
extra 50,000 miles of local public road would make the map illegible.
· Of the 2,500 towns in Montana that at some time have had a post office, less than 500 have at
any time shown up on the map. To include all the missing towns lbr historical purposes in a
document the size of the highway map would, once again, make the map hard to decipher.
· A total of 16 city inset nraps, 6-8 times their previous size, have been added.
· The ne~v map will continue to feature special write-ups on Lewis and Clark and the Nez
Perce Indians.
· As before, points of interest, cultural and historical attractions, and outdoors/recreational
activities are listed by region.
Your input and the input of others you share this copy with will, as always, be greatly
appreciated.
Zia Kazimi
Road Inventory and Mapping
Transportation Planning Division