Archive for October 2016

BACKGROUND Cities and towns have worked many years to protect Montana’s land and water resources through wise community development policies that emphasize centralized water and wastewater systems, efficient delivery of services to concentrated populations and compliance with fair and affordable environmental standards.  Now, most new development in Montana is sprawling…

BACKGROUND Montana has experienced significant growth impacts related to infrastructure and public safety as a result of rapid population growth in some part of the state. Most Montanans welcome the economic opportunities connected to development, but some Montana municipalities that have had no or slow growth in the past do…

BACKGROUND The gasoline and special fuel tax is a state tax of 27 cents per gallon of gasoline distributed within the state and 27 ¾ cents per gallon of special fuel. (Section 15-70-403, MCA.) Of the total amount collected from these and other gas taxes, $16,766,000 is statutorily appropriated to counties,…

BACKGROUND More cities in Montana are being classified as Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (“MS4”) cities for purposes of storm water regulations under EPA and MTDEQ. Under the federal law, MS4 cities are required to use best management practices to reduce pollution from storm water runoff.  MTDEQ is responsible for issuing…