Transportation (Roads & Highways)

This bill eliminates the Scenic-Historic Byways Advisory Council in Montana, which was previously responsible for advising on the scenic and historic road designation program. The legislation removes the requirement for the state commission to appoint this council and deletes its related funding provisions. The bill directly affects the state Department of Transportation and the Montana Transportation Commission by ending the council's role in reviewing road nominations and recommending designations. While the advisory council is removed, the bill retains the core program that allows the commission to designate scenic-historic roads with local government concurrence. The amended rules still require the department to establish criteria for road designation, including considerations for local economic development, resource protection, and private property rights.