Local officials join national research group in review of road & bridge conditions, congestion, safety & funding needs

WHEN:

9:30 a.m., January 12, 2017

WHERE:

Motor Power Equipment
4941 Midland Road
Billings, Montana

WHAT:

In order to make needed repairs and improvements to roads, highways and bridges, Montana would need nearly $900 million in additional transportation funds each year, according to a new report from TRIP, a national nonprofit transportation research group based in Washington, DC. The report also finds that the average Billings driver loses more than $1,100 annually as a result of driving on roads that are deteriorated, congested, and that lack some desirable safety features. Local leaders will join TRIP on Thursday to highlight the findings and discuss possible solutions.

The report, Montana Transportation by the Numbers: Meeting the State’s Need for Safe, Smooth and Efficient Mobility, examines road and bridge conditions, congestion, economic development, highway safety, and transportation funding in Montana. The report contains regional data for the Billings, Great Falls and Missoula urban areas, as well as statewide information.

WHO:

Darryl James, Executive Director, Montana Infrastructure Coalition

Steve Arveschoug, Executive Director, Big Sky Economic Development Authority

Rocky Moretti, Director of Policy and Research, TRIP

CONTACT:

Rocky Moretti (TRIP) – 202.262.0714 (cell)

Carolyn Bonifas Kelly (TRIP) –  703.801.9212 (cell)