Missoula Connect 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan Adoption

Project Description

Missoula County is considering the adoption of the Missoula Connect 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) as an official “issue plan” of the Missoula County Comprehensive Plan (or known as growth policy in state law). The LRTP is a 25-year roadmap created by the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for how we get around by car, bus, bike or on foot. It sets priorities for transportation projects and funding across the Missoula urban area, which includes Lolo, East Missoula, Bonner-Milltown and the Wye. It does not plan for transportation improvements in areas outside the Missoula urban area, like Frenchtown, Seeley Lake, the Swan Valley, Potomac-Greenough and Turah-Clinton areas.

Click here to see a map of the MPO boundaries. Areas shown in yellow reflect the urban area, while the blue border represents the entire MPO planning area.

By formally adopting the LRTP as part of the Comprehensive Plan, Missoula County makes the LRTP a formal guiding document for transportation decisions.

What is the Long-Range Transportation Plan?

• The LRTP covers the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Area, which includes both city and county jurisdictions. Missoula County is a partner in the MPO process along with the City of Missoula, Missoula Urban Transportation District (e.g., Mountain Line) and the Montana Department of Transportation.
• The LRTP integrates existing plans and projects to create a sustainable transportation future that improves mobility and access across all modes for all Missoula area residents, workers, and visitors.
• LRTP is a guidance document, not a budget. It identifies priorities and fiscally constrained project lists, but funding for individual projects still requires separate authorization. The document is periodically amended to reflect changes to funding availability and updates to other plans and safety strategies.
• As an “issue plan,” the LRTP provides guidance on transportation issues and must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

What is the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization?

The Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the regional transportation planning body for the Missoula area. Established in 1982 through an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Missoula, Missoula County, the Missoula Urban Transportation District (which operates Mountain Line) and the Montana Department of Transportation, the MPO coordinates planning efforts across the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA), which includes land within Missoula city limits and adjacent urban areas of Missoula County.

Federal transportation law requires the formation of MPOs for all urban areas with more than 50,000 residents. The MPO’s mission is to plan and program a safe and efficient transportation system for the Missoula area that increases access through different options. Federal law also requires the MPO to keep this plan updated every four years.

Listen to this 2025 episode of The Agenda with the Missoula County Commissioners to learn more about how the MPO works.

Project Timeline

Missoula County Consolidated Land Use Board Meeting: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5

• In-person location: 200 W. Broadway, Missoula County Courthouse, Sophie Moiese Room
• Virtual option: Residents can attend the meeting via Microsoft Teams. To join the meeting on your device, follow the links on the agenda that will be published on the Consolidated Land Use Board page.

Board of County Commissioners public hearing date has not been set yet.

• In-person location: 200 W. Broadway, Missoula County Courthouse Annex, Sophie Moiese Room
• Virtual option: Residents can attend the meeting via Microsoft Teams. To join the call on your phone, call 406-272-4824, Conference ID 467 457 758#. To join the meeting on your device, follow the links on the agenda that will be published online.

Public Comment

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