# OCTOBER 2013 CROW TRIBAL LEGISLATURE

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## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

OCTOBER 2013 CROW TRIBAL LEGISLATURE
JOINT ACTION RESOLUTION NO. JAR 13-18

INTRODUCED BY DARRIN OLD COYOTE, CHAIRMAN
CROW TRIBAL EXECUTIVE BRANCH

JOINT ACTION RESOLUTION OF THE CROW TRIBAL LEGISLATURE AND THE
CROW TRIBAL EXECUTIVE BRANCH ENTITLED:

“RESOLUTION TO UPDATE THE CROW INDIAN RESERVATION TTP
LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN”

WHEREAS, the Crow Tribal Executive and Legislative Branches recognize the
importance of a well maintained and continuously improved public road system on the
Crow Reservation to the health, safety, prosperity and economic development
opportunities for the Crow Tribe and its members and for every community on the
Reservation; and

WHEREAS, 25 CFR Part 170 states that the purpose of Tribal long-range
transportation planning is to clearly demonstrate a Tribe’s transportation needs and to
fulfill Tribal goals by developing strategies to meet these needs; and

WHEREAS, 25 CFR Part 170 describes the significance of periodically
reviewing and updating the Tribe’s TTP Long Range Transportation Plan to provide an
accurate representation of the Crow Tribe’s transportation facilities and construction
needs; and

WHEREAS, the Crow Tribe Department of Transportation has prepared an
updated Long Range Transportation Plan for the Crow Reservation, which is attached
hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated by reference;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CROW TRIBAL
LEGISLATURE AND THE CROW TRIBAL EXECUTIVE BRANCH:

That the Crow Tribe hereby adopts and approves the updated TTP Long
Range Transportation Plan attached hereto as Exhibit A, which by this reference is
incorporated herein.

October 2013 Session
JAR LRTP update
Page 1 of 2
CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that this Joint Action Resolution entitled “RESOLUTION TO
UPDATE THE CROW INDIAN RESERVATION TTP LONG RANGE
TRANSPORTATION PLAN” was duly enacted by the Crow Tribal Legislature with a
vote of 13 in favor 0 opposed, and _0_ abstaining and that a quorum was present on this
15" day of October, 2013.

Cpbeen. Jaa Claud)
Carlson Goes Ahead
Speaker of the House

Crow Tribal Legislature

ATTEST:

R. Knute Old Crow, Sr. let “S
Secretary re SEAL tee
23 a

Crow Tribal Legislature

EXECUTIVE ACTION

Thereby

X approve or veto

This Joint Action Resolution entitled “RESOLUTION TO UPDATE THE CROW
INDIAN RESERVATION TTP LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN”
pursuant to the authority vested in the Chairman of the Crow Tribe by Article V, Section
8 of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Crow Tribe of Indians, on this 55 day of

Dao QU 2013.
SS Wi

~~ Darrin Old Coyotes. hairman
Crow Tribal Executive Branch

October 2013 Session
JAR LRTP update
Page 2 of 2
Joint Action Resolution Titled: “RESOLUTION TO UPDATE THE CROW INDIAN RESERVATION
TTP LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN”

Bill or Resolution: JAR13-18 Introduced by:Chairman Darrin Old Coyote Date of Vote:_10/15/2013
Number

Representative: Yes No Abstained
H. Two Leggins Xx
V. Pretty Paint 4
C. J. Stewart
K. Shane x
L. Other Medicine x
A.Coyote-Runs, Sr. Xx
L. Not Afraid. Xx
M. Covers Up, Sr. Xx
P. Alden, Jr.
M. Not Afraid x
V. Crooked Arm x
L. DeCrane x
B. Hugs
G. Real Bird, Jr. x
M. Backbone
G. Stewart
R. K. Old Crow,Sr. x
Secretary of the House
C. Goes Ahead x
Speaker of the House
Totals: 13 0 0
Result of Vote:
Passed Not Passed Tabled Veto-Override
Senator Carlson Goes Ahead Date Senator R. Knute Old Crow, Sr. Date

Speaker of the House Secretary of the House
EXHIBIT A
LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Crow Reservation
Final Report

June, 2012
FRE

CR

Long Range nsportation Plan
Table of Contents
Introduction
Purpose and Scope.... 2
Organization of the Study... eee c eee e eee eeeeeee sees eeeeeeeeeseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeseeeeessseaeeeeeeeeeaeees 2
The Crow Nation........
Part One — Existing Conditions

1.1 Demographics and Development
1.1.1 Population and Housing Characteristics
1.1.2 Economic Conditions and Employment
1.1.3 Physical Characteristics.................
1.1.4 Land Ownership.......
1.1.5 Existing Land Use..
1.1.6 Land Use Control...
1.1.7 Law Enforcement...
1.2. Transportation System
1.2.1 Existing Roadway System
1.2.2 Functional Classification of Roadways
1.2.3 Functional Classification Definitions.
1.2.3.1 State Highway Classifications.
1.2.3.2 BIA Road Classifications........
1.2.4 Bridges and Drainage Structures..
1.2.5 Postal Delivery Routes
1.2.6 School Bus ROWS vss cccccvae sess necurenessvesany wsunansenucseenmveunnaerewereer RecN
1.2.7 Transit Routes..........
1.218 Regional. Lransportation ss.iccicnccessswvsiswesnenwvemummneer eer ereusre eae oeuaa mere aweeNNEETE
Part Two — TTP Inventory Update

2:4, Roadway lnventonyicicccccscensnsannnesecorruammanccereyecservees ei ueense ae miner neeNeURES 2-1
2.1.1 Revisions to the Crow TTP Inventory .

2.1.2 Mileage Corrections to the Crow TTP Inventory................ccccceseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeanees 2-1
2.1.3 Existing Road Sections to be Added to the Crow TTP Inventory..............ccccceccceeeeeeeseee 2-1
2.1.4 Road Sections to be Deleted from the Crow TTP Inventory... . 2-2
2.1.5 Bridges to be Added to the Crow TTP Inventory............ 2-2
2.1.6 Bridges to be Deleted from the Crow TTP Inventory.. . 2-2

2.2 Existing Traffic VOlUMe@S svscessscscasssesseemnernoenmenmuneem nes arene 2-4

Transp Plan

Part Three — The Transportation Plan

3.1 Future Development Plans...............ccceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeueeeeeeeeeseeeseeeesesaeeeesaueeeuseeeeaae
3.1.1 Tribal Goals and Objectives.....0..0... coc eee ceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees
3.1.2 Future Development Plans..
3.1.3 Projected Travel Demand...
3.1.4 Projected Traffic Volumes.........
3.1.5 Analysis of Demand and Capacity

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 1 of 33
3.2 Recommended Transportation Improvements..............:00ceeeeeeeees
3.2.1 Proposed Road Sections to be Added to the Crow TTP Inventory...
3.2.2 Proposed Projects............. ccc ccecce eee eeeueeeueeeeeeueeeeeeeeeeeeeeesens
3.2.3 Project Cost Estimates..
3.2.4 TTP Construction FUNGING.............0cccccceecceeceeeceeeeueeeueeeeeeseeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeueeeeeeeneeeness
3.2.5 Government Agency Responsibilities. ................ccc cece cece cece eeceeeeeeeeeeeeuseeeeeeeeeeueeenees
3.3 Transportation Studies and Planning Recommendations. .
3.4 Plan Implementation and Updating
Tables

Table 1.1 Selected Characteristics of Existing Roads
Table 1.2 Bridges on the Existing TTP System......
Table 1.4 Motor Vehicle Accidents................:.sscceseseenseee :
Table 2.1 Summary of the 2005 Updated Crow TTP System.............cceeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 1 2-2
Table 2.2 Existing Bridges Recommended for Addition to the Crow TTP Inventory.... 3
Table 2.3 Annual Average Daily Traffic. .............cccccecceccceeceneeeeeeueeeueeaeeeneeaes 2 2-4
Table 3.1 Population and Housing Projections for the Crow Nation 2012-2032. .
Table 3.2 Projected Average Daily Traffic VolUMES.......0..0.. ec eee ee cece teeeeeeeee se eaaneees 3-5
Table 3.3 Project Cost Estimate Data.....00.... ice cece eee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeaaaeeeeeereeeeaes 3-8
Figures

Figure 1 Location Map..........ccccccceecceeeceeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeueeeeeeneeeeeeueeeeeeeseeaueeensesteensseaes 4
Exhibits

Exhibit'1 Traffic Count Locations :sccssesewacsscsemssscesecome ie ncrree rine ieee Apx B

Lc Tr
Appendices
A Indian Reservation Roads Inventory Data

B Traffic Count Data

C Sample Tribal Resolution

Maps

TTP System and Proposed Transportation Projects

LOr ge Transportation Plan: Introductic 1

INTRODUCTION

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), in accordance with the 1983 Memorandum of Agreement
between the BIA and Federal Highway Administration, requires transportation plans to identify
and meet transportation needs of Indian tribes nationwide. The MOA and subsequent updates
state that the BIA shall carry out a transportation planning process for Indian Reservation Roads
(TTP) to support its road construction and improvement program. The Moving Ahead for
Progress in the 21° century Act (P.L. 112-141),continued the authorization of Highway Account
of the Highway Trust Fund,to be made available each fiscal year under the TTP Program for
obligation to transportation planning. This study was initiated by the Crow Nation through the
Transportation Planning Program and P.L. 93-638.

Tribal Transportation Program (TTP)

Public roads, including roads on the Federal Aid System, that are located within, or provide
access to, an Indian reservation, Indian trust land, or restricted Indian land which is not subject
to fee title alienation without the approval of the Federal Government. This includes Indian and
Alaska Native villages, or Oklahoma communities in which Indians and Alaska Natives reside,
whom the Secretary of the Interior has determined are eligible for services generally available to
Indians under Federal laws specifically applicable to Indians.

Road Systems within the TTP

Crow Tribal Transportation Department Road System means those existing and proposed TTPs
for which the BIA has or plans to obtain legal right-of-way. The BIA has the primary
responsibility to improve and maintain the roads on this system. Any changes to this system
must be supported by a tribal resolution.

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 2 of 33
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Reservation Development Road System means existing public
highways and proposed routes for which the Bureau of Indian Affairs has, or plans to obtain, a
legal right-of-way and which serve the development needs of Indian reservations and Alaska
Native villages.

Highway Trust Fund Road System means existing BIA routes or sections of routes which were
constructed or improved using Highway Trust Funds.

Tribal Road System means public roads whose rights-of-way are under the jurisdiction of a tribe.
County or Township Road System means public roads whose rights-of-way are under the
jurisdiction of a county, township, or road district.

State Highway System means public highways whose rights-of-way are under the jurisdiction of
a state.

Other Federal Agency Public Roads means public roads whose rights-of-way are under the
jurisdiction of various Federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management, Forest
Service, Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of
Defense, and others.1

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

This Long Range Transportation Plan was prepared to meet the Crow Nation’s goal of
identifying and inventorying roads eligible for the TTP system so as to secure funding for
needed transportation improvements. This study presents a plan to improve existing
transportation facilities and develop new transportation opportunities within the Crow
Reservation.

The Crow Nation is under the jurisdiction of the BIA’s Rocky Mountain Regional Office (RMRO),
which must review the contents and methodologies of this study to fulfill the requirements set
forth in MAP-21 .

This study considers the potential transportation impacts of existing and planned tribal
development projects to establish a prioritized list of transportation needs. The study includes
the following tasks:

« Inventory TTP roads;

+ Identify obvious roadside hazards that may exist on the TTP system;

+ Identify and evaluate present and future transportation needs;

+ Provide a long range transportation plan that prioritizes short- and long term transportation
improvement projects.

ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This study was developed through work sessions and communications with tribal
representatives and staff of Big Horn County, Yellowstone County, and the Montana
Department of Transportation (MDT). Tribal data were obtained from tribal officials,
representatives of state and federal agencies, on-site reconnaissance, and documents—
principally the following:

+ http://lib.Ibhe.cc.mt.us/about/;

+ http://factfinder.census.gov.

The study consists of Phases |, II, and Ill.

Phase | - Data Collection

During this phase, Crow Department of Transportation (DOT) Planning contacts the following
entities to identify key personnel, arrange future meetings, and gather all pertinent information:
« Crow Nation;

+ BIA Rocky Mountain Regional Office, Division of Transportation;

« Montana Department of Transportation.

Also in this phase, part one of the three-part transportation plan is prepared. This report
provides a summary of the existing tribal transportation network, land use and development on
the Crow Reservation, and tribal demographics.

Phase II —- TTP Inventory Update

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 3 of 33
In Phase Il Crow DOT compares the tribe’s existing TTP Inventory with the newly collected road
inventory data to establish recommendations for updating the Crow Reservation’s road
inventory. Part two of the transportation plan includes a copy of the existing TTP inventory, the
new roadway inventory, and an Inventory Comparison Listing table which compares the existing
and the updated inventory data.

Phase III — Analysis of Transportation

Needs

In this phase, Crow DOT analyzes roadway capacities, levels of service, travel speeds, safety
standards, and adequacy design standards. These analyses determine deficiencies of the
existing transportation system and identify future transportation needs. Travel demand studies
are also conducted for the study area. This includes identifying and evaluating present and
future travel demands of existing and proposed principal arterials, collectors, and local roads.
Crow DOT also surveys community attitudes regarding future transportation needs and planning
through an ongoing dialogue with tribal officials and staff, and BIA personnel.

Phase Ill lists and evaluates social and economic factors associated with the proposed
improvements to existing routes (or sections of routes) and new road construction. It also
describes individually identified and prioritized road improvement projects, justifications, costs to
construct, and general time frames for implementation.

Some of the factors considered in this evaluation include:

« The number of enterprises and/or small businesses located on a route;

« The number of existing homes served by a route;

« The classification of each route.

This final phase also includes preparing a Tribal Transportation Improvement Project list, which
recommends a prioritized list of road improvement projects proposed for funding. Following the
BIA guidelines established for this process, CROW DOT assists the tribe in developing the tribal
TIP and submits it to the BIA. The finalized tribal TIP is added to the Long Range Transportation
Plan, which is submitted to the tribe as the final project deliverable.

THE CROW NATION

The Crow tribe call themselves "Apsaalooke", which means "children of the large beaked

bird." The ancestral Crow are originally an agricultural tribe from the western area of the upper
Great Lakes. They began their expansion westwards in approximately 1300 A.D. It is proposed
that as eastern tribes acquired firearms from Europeans, neighboring tribes to the west who still
used bows and arrows were pushed out. The ancestral Crow moved extensively across the
upper Midwest of the United States and possibly into southern Canada before splitting into two
separate groups in the early 1600’s. One group remained near the Heart River in North Dakota
and became the agricultural Hidatsa Tribe, while the other group resumed their wandering. Over
approximately 100 years the nomadic group moved as far west as north central Utah, south into
Oklahoma, Arkansas and perhaps Missouri, and eventually north into Wyoming and southern
Montana. It was during the latter years of their expansion that the nomadic Crow acquired
horses and came to depend on the buffalo.

In the mid-1800s increasing numbers of miners and settlers, many in search of gold, began
passing through or laying claim to Crow land. In the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie, the Crow
agreed to live within a 33-million acre area in exchange for a yearly payment and government
protection from attacks by non-Indian settlers. Neither payments nor protection were
forthcoming and the Crow were decimated by disease, inter-tribal warfare, and the disappearing
buffalo. Settlers continued to expand further into Crow territory and the reservation was reduced
five times between the Second Ft. Laramie Treaty of 1868 and the Allotment Act of 1920. Today
approximately half of the 2.2 million-acre Crow Reservation is owned by tribal members and the
tribal government.

PART ONE

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 4 of 33
EXISTING CONDITIONS

1.1 Demographics and Development

Transportation systems have long been a vital and necessary part of society. Therefore, the
evaluation of an existing transportation network or projection of future transportation needs
requires an understanding of existing land use, future land use, economic activity, and
development trends.

1.1.1 Population and Housing

Characteristics

Of the 13,068 enrolled members of the Crow Nation, approximately 9,078 reside on the Crow
Reservation. Tribal members are divided into three subgroups: Mountain Crow, River Crow, and
Kicked in the Bellies. An additional 5,000 non-Indians reside within the exterior boundary of the
Crow Reservation. The reservation’s population growth rate is estimated to be approximately
three percent per year. The gender ratio is almost equal, with 50.3 percent females and 49.7
percent males. The median age is 27; 9.9 percent of the population is under five years old, and
6.5 percent are 65 or older. Census 2000 identified 22.8 percent of the population of the Crow
Reservation as having no high school diploma, 30.5 percent as having graduated from high
school, and 13.8 percent as having a bachelors degree or higher. Census 2000 counted 2,280
housing units on the Crow Reservation with an average household size of 3.6. However, these
figures include the non-Indian communities located within the exterior boundary of the
reservation and the Tribe estimates that average tribal member household size to be six people.
The Tribe also estimates that approximately 60 percent of existing housing is substandard, and
that there is an additional unmet housing need of 500 units.

1.1.2 Economic Conditions and

Employment

Approximately 24 percent of reservation residents are employed by government agencies,
which, includes the tribal government, Bureau of Indian Affairs, federal government, county
government and the State of Montana. Up to six percent of employment is in the agricultural
sector, two percent in retail, four percent in manufacturing, four percent in mineral extraction,
two percent in the service industry, and 6 percent in services such as education, health care
and law enforcement. A significant number of reservation residents are engaged in small-scale
farming and ranching operations. It is estimated that approximately 66 percent of Crow
Reservation residents are unemployed. In 2000, the median household income of reservation
residents was $27,044; the median family income was $31,958, and the per capita income was
$15,066. Persons living below the poverty level in Big Horn County is at 23.5%.

1.1.3 Physical Characteristics

The Crow Reservation is located in south central Montana. The reservation is bordered by
Wyoming to the south, the Northern Cheyenne Reservation to the east, and the northwest
boundary of the reservation is about ten miles east of Billings.

Reservation topography is characterized by sharp-edged mountains, flat alluvial floodplains, and
rolling upland plains. Much of the western portion of the reservation is difficult to negotiate, as
the hills that climb from the plains are dissected by a labyrinth of coulees and canyons.
Reservation elevations vary between 7,000 feet in the mountains to between 3,000 and 4,500
feet on the plains. Portions of three mountain ranges are located on the Crow Reservation: the
Wolf Mountains to the east, and the Big Horn and Pryor Mountains to the south. There are also
three major drainage systems on the reservation: the Big Horn River, Little Big Horn River, and
Pryor Creek.

The Crow Reservation enjoys a relatively moderate climate for its latitude. The warm Chinook
winds that blow from the western mountain melt most snow accumulations. The mean annual
temperature is 45.5 degrees Fahrenheit with a summer high of 110 degrees Fahrenheit and a
winter low of — 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of the reservation receives between 12 to 18
inches annual precipitation, depending on the elevation.

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 5 of 33
1.1.4 Land Ownership

Of the 2.125 million acres which comprise the Crow Reservation, 1.425 million acres are held in
trust for the Crow Nation. The Crow Nation owns 18 percent of the reservation, while 50 percent
of the acreage is owned by individual allottees. Approximately 700,000 acres within the exterior
boundary of the reservation are in fee status, which makes up part of the 32 percent of the
reservation which is owned by non-Indians. Combined with the individually allotted land within
the reservation, the Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker-boarding” of Indian
and non-Indian land. In an effort to reclaim the allotments and any other non-tribally owned
property within the exterior boundary of the Crow Reservation, the tribe has established a fund
from which to purchase available property.

1.1.5 Existing Land Use

Residential

The Crow Reservation is divided into six districts: Lodge Grass (The Valley of the Chiefs),
Wyola (Mighty Few), Reno, Bighorn, Pryor and Black Lodge. Reno which is Crow Agency is the
largest reservation community, with approximately 3,245 residents. The majority of BIA and IHS
housing is located in Crow Agency, although government housing is also available for IHS
employees in Lodge Grass. Approximately 2,125 people reside in Lodge Grass. Pryor is located
69 miles northwest of Crow Agency, and approximately 1,108 people reside in the community.
Wyola, the smallest of the reservation communities, is located 13 miles from Lodge Grass and
341 people reside here.

The National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management provide housing for their
employees in Fort Smith. Housing is provided by the Crow Housing Authority in the district
communities as well as on rural scattered sites across the reservation.

Public Service and Institutional Facilities

The Crow tribal government and the BIA maintain headquarters in Crow Agency.

Other government facilities in the community include the Crow Tribal Court, the Crow/Northern
Cheyenne Hospital, the Little Big Horn Community College, and the college library and fitness
center. There are two satellite health clinics on the Crow Reservation: the Lodge Grass Health
Center and the Pryor Health Station. A number of federal agencies maintain offices on the Crow
Reservation. They include the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management Fort
Smith, and Indian Health Offices and USDA Crow Agency Conservation Services in Crow
Agency. Eight elementary schools and three high schools serve the Crow Reservation. The
high school and elementary schools in Hardin are located off-reservation, although a number of
tribal members attend the schools. On-reservation schools include: elementary through high
school in Lodge Grass and Pryor; the Pretty Eagle Catholic elementary school in St. Xavier; the
St. Charles Catholic school in Pryor (elementary through 8 Grade); Crow Agency Grade School
(first through sixth); the Ft. Smith Grade School (first through fifth); and the Wyola Grade School
(Kindergarten through eighth).

There are six community centers on the Crow Reservation, one in each district: Wyola (Mighty
Few), Reno, Bighorn, Pryor and Black Lodge and Lodge Grass (The Valley of the Chiefs).
Commercial

There is limited commercial activity on the Crow Reservation. Most of the commercial activity is
owned and operated by individual tribal members and non Indians which mostly comprised of
such activities as selling food, retail curio shops, and building construction. The Crow Tribe
owns the Apsaalooke Nights Casino, which is located on SH 212 approximately two miles south
of Crow Agency. In this area the non Indians own a fast food complex, gas station and thrift
store which is located adjacent to the casino. A complex hosting a museum, gas station and
fast food restaurants is located a little to the south in Garryowen.

Historical/Cultural

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 6 of 33
The annual Crow Fair, one of the largest powwows held in the United States, takes place at
Crow Agency in the third week of August. Crow Native Days takes place annually in Crow
Agency around June 20°on the anniversary of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The Little Big
Horn National Battlefield and Chief Plenty Coups Memorial State Park are both located on the
reservation, and a small museum is located in Garryowen. There are a large number of
churches on the Crow Reservation which represent a number of denominations. Churches are
located in Wyola, Lodge Grass, Crow Agency, Black Lodge, St. Xavier, Ft. Smith, and Pryor.
Recreation

Yellowtail Dam, located in Big Horn Canyon, is a popular fishing, water sports and camping
destination. The dam encompasses 120,000 acres and draws up to 230,000 annual users. The
Big Horn River is designated as a blue ribbon river and generates revenue of 20 million.

Most recreation facilities are located in Hardin and are associated with the schools. A
gymnasium is located approximately half mile south of Crow Agency. Adjacent to the tribal
complex is a rodeo ground and horse race track. A small veteran’s memorial park is located at
the intersection of the Frontage Road and I-90.

Agricultural

Agriculture is the most important commercial activity on the reservation and is comprised of both
irrigated and dry-land farming. Crop acreage amounts to 213,750 acres (15 percent of the
reservation) on which alfalfa, grass hay, wheat, barley, oats, corn and sugar beets are grown.
This is wholly comprised of individually-owned farming operations, as is the ranching activities
of cattle and horses. Grazing land includes 969,000 acres or 68 percent of the reservation.
There are 138 native farmers who operate 838,738 acres with an average farm size of 6,078
acres. There are 9,842 head of cattle owned by Crow Indians.

The Crow Tribe owns and operates a commercial bison herd of approximately 1,500 head,
which is the largest in Indian Country. The buffalo pasture is approximately 14,300 acres over
an area of approximately 22,000 acres located in the Big Horn Mountains. Up to 12,650 areas of
tribal land is forested with Juniper, Limber Pine and Ponderosa Pine. The tribe does not have
any commercial timber operations and forests are primarily used for grazing and gathering
firewood.

Industrial

The Westmoreland Coal Mine, located in the eastern portion of the reservation, provides royalty
income for the tribal government and is a source of employment for tribal members. A power
plant is located one mile north of Hardin and employs a few tribal members, although the tribe
does not receive royalties from this operation. There is also a proposed coal mine project being
developed in the southeast corner of the reservation called the Big Metal project. Including,
Upper Young’s Creek Coal mine project. These future developments will provide increased
royalty income and more sources of employment for tribal members.

1.1.6 Land Use Control

Land use on the Crow Reservation is controlled by the Crow Tribal Government. The tribe has a
land use plan but there is no zoning ordinance through which to enforce the land use plan.
1.1.7 Law Enforcement

Tribal members are under the jurisdiction of the Crow Agency BIA Law Enforcement Services,
Crow tribal police. The Crow Tribal Court is located in Crow Agency.

1.2. Transportation System

This section describes the road system utilized by Crow Reservation residents. While emphasis
is on the road system, public transit and other service routes, such as school bus and mail
delivery, are also addressed.

1.2.1 Existing Roadway System

Public roads within the Crow Reservation are constructed and maintained by the BIA Crow

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 7 of 33
Agency, Big Horn County, Yellowstone County, and the Montana Department of Transportation
(MDT). There are 2,227.6 miles of road on the existing Crow Reservation TTP inventory. The
detail

Table 1.1 —- Selected Characteristics of Existing Roads

of this road mileage is presented in Table

1.2.

1.2.2 Functional Classification of

Roadways

Roads are classified or grouped into integrated systems by the functions they perform with
regard to moving traffic and providing property access. Each road is ranked by its relative
importance and the function it is intended to serve. Within the TTP system there are two types
of road classification systems: State Highway Classifications and BIA Road Classifications. Both
the state and the BIA use functional classification as the basis for classifying their roads.
However, the criteria used to determine specific classifications differ between the two systems.
1.2.3 Functional Classification

Definitions

Functional classification identifies the role each street or highway plays in channeling traffic .,
through a rural or urban environment in a logical and efficient manner. There are three general
functional classification categories: Arterials, Collectors, and Local Roads. An arterial's function
is to move through-traffic at high speeds over long distances with limited access. Local roads or
streets move traffic at relatively low speeds and provide access to adjacent property. Urban and
rural areas have fundamentally different characteristics with regard to density and types of land
use, density of street and highway networks, nature of travel patterns, and the way in which
these elements are related. Consequently, urban and rural functional systems are classified
separately. Urban systems are comprised of urban principal arterials, urban collectors, and
urban local roads. Rural systems are comprised of rural principal arterials, rural minor arterials,
rural collectors, and rural local roads. General definitions of the three general functional
classifications, along with desirable characteristics, are given below.

Arterials

Arterials carry relatively large volumes of traffic through states and to major destinations such as
work sites or commercial centers. Arterials fall into two categories: principal and minor. Principal
(major) arterials include federal and interstate highways, state highways that serve urban areas
with a population greater than 50,000, and state highways that serve a majority of areas with
populations of 25,000 or more. Minor arterials provide interstate and intercounty service to cities
and towns with populations of less than 25,000, and attractions that draw travel over long
distances. Principal arterials usually have four traffic lanes (two lanes in each direction), provide
left-turn lanes at most intersections, and are separated by a median or continuous left-turn lane.
Minor arterials may only have two traffic lanes and generally provide left-turn lanes at major
intersections. A minimum right-of-way width of 100 to 150 feet is desirable for an arterial,
although wider rights-of-way are needed for arterials with more than four lanes.

Collectors

Collectors generally serve intra-county and regional travel that has shorter travel distances than
that supported by arterials. Collectors also provide a balance between mobility and land access
by generally permitting access to all abutting properties. There are two categories of collectors:
major and minor. Major collectors provide service to any county seat or a community not served
by an arterial road, and serve other traffic generators of intra-county importance: regional parks,
consolidated schools, agricultural areas, shipping points, etc. Minor collectors are spaced at
intervals consistent with population density. They collect traffic from local roads and provide
access to all developed areas within a reasonable distance of a higher classified road. A
minimum right-of-way width of 80 to 100 feet is desirable for a collector.

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 8 of 33
Local Roads

Local roads comprise the balance of the road network and carry low volume, low speed traffic.
The primary function of a local road is to provide access to individual parcels of property. Local
roads usually serve residential areas and may also serve scattered business and industrial sites
that generate modest traffic. A minimum righ-tof- way of 60 to 80 feet is desirable for a local
road.

1.2.3.1 State Highway Classifications
Functional classification of roads has been
used by state highway departments for

many years for a variety of important

highway functions: assigning jurisdictional
responsibility, determining cost allocations,
allocating funds to local units of government,
and establishing appropriate design

standards. Prior to enactment of the Intermodal
Surface Transportation Efficiency

Act of 1991 (ISTEA), it became apparent that
the 20-year old federally mandated functional
classifications needed modification.

Although routinely updated by states, functional
classifications were no longer consistent
among the states and it was agreed that

they should be reclassified before a national
highway system was established. As a result,
Congress included Section 1006(c) in

ISTEA, which required states to reclassify

their roads and streets, under oversight of

the Federal Highway Administration, by
September 30, 1996.

1.2.3.2 BIA Road Classifications

The BIA road system has 11 classes of

routes: seven vehicular, and four non vehicular.
Functional classification is used

by the BIA to group roads into a specific
vehicular class based on the existing or anticipated
function of the road. The road

classes are then combined with the traffic
characteristics of the road to select criteria

and standards for the adequate design of

the facility. Definitions of the eleven BIA

road system classes are given below, together
with the list of roads the BIA-DOT

inventory includes in each class.

1.2.4 Inherited roads from Big Horn County

7004 Pass Creek/8 mi

7006 Back Bone Rd Wyola/15 mi

8001 Lodge Grass Upper Rd/ 8.2 mi Willow Creek
8002 Upper Rotten Grass/5mi

116 Grey Blanket Rd/8 mi

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 9 of 33
89 Sioux Pass Rd/16mi]
7005 Owl Creek Rd/5mi
8 Edgar Rd/6mi

Class 1

These are major arterial roads that provide
an integrated network to serve traffic between
large population centers. They generally

do not have stub connections, have

more than two lanes of traffic, and carry an
average traffic volume of 10,000 vehicles per
day or more. This is a new classification in

fe Transoortation Pian: Part One
the TTP System and there are no existing
Class 1 roads on the Crow TTP System.
Class 2
Class 2 roads are rural minor arterials
which provide an integrated network and
generally do not have stub connections.
They serve traffic between large population
centers and may also link smaller towns
and communities to major destination areas
that attract travel over long distances. They
are generally designed for relatively high
overall speeds with minimum interference
to through-traffic, and carry less than 10,000
vehicles per day. Class 2 routes provide for
at least inter-county or interstate travel and
are spaced at intervals consistent with
population density. There are 141.7 miles of
Class 2 roads identified on the Crow TTP
System.
Class 3
Class 3 routes are streets and roads that are
located within communities and serve residential
or other urban settings. These roads
correspond to the Local Roads category in
the state highway classification. There are
27.1 miles of Class 3 roads on the Crow TTP
System.
Class 4
Class 4 routes are rural major collectors
which collect traffic from rural local roads.
There are 391.9 miles of Class 4 roads identified
on the Crow TTP System.
Class 5
These are local rural roads that may include
section line and stub-out roads that collect
traffic for arterial- roads and make connections
within the grid of the Indian Reservation

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 10 of 33
Roads system. Such routes may serve

areas around villages or provide access to

farming areas, schools, tourist attractions or
various small enterprises. This class also

includes roads and vehicular trails for administering
forests, grazing areas, mining

and oil operations, recreation, or other purposes.
There are no Class 5 roads on the

Crow TTP System.

Class 6

These are city minor arterial streets that are
located within communities and provide

access to major arterials. This is a new classification
in the TTP System and there are no

existing Class 6 roads on the Crow TTP System.

Class 7
These are city collector streets that are located
within communities and provide access

to city local streets. This is a new classification
in the TTP System and there are no

existing Class 7 roads on the Crow TTP System.
Class 8

Class 8 routes are non-road type projects

such as paths, trails, walkways and other
routes for public use by foot traffic, bicycles,
trail bikes, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles,

or other non-vehicular traffic. This is a

new classification in the TTP System and
there are no existing Class 8 roads on the
Crow TTP System.

Class 9

Class 9 routes encompass other transportation
facilities such as parking facilities adjacent

to TTP routes and scenic byways such

as rest areas, other scenic pullouts, ferry

boat terminals, and transit terminals. This is

a new classification in the TTP System and
there are no existing Class 9 roads on the
Crow TTP System.

Long Range |
Class 10
Class 10 routes are defined as airstrips that
are within the boundaries of the TTP system
and are open to the public. These airstrips
are included for inventory and maintenance
purposes only. This is a new classification
in the TTP System and there are no existing
Class 10 roads on the Crow TTP System.
Class 11

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 11 of 33
This classification indicates an overlapping

of a previously inventoried section, or sections
of a route, and is used to indicate that

it is not to be used for accumulating needs
data. This class is used for reporting and
identification purposes only. This is a new
classification in the TTP System and there

are no existing Class 11 roads on the Crow
TTP System.

1.2.4 Bridges and Drainage Structures
There are 23 bridges on the existing Crow
TTP system. Data for these bridges is presented
in Table 1.3.

1.2.5 Postal Delivery Routes

There are home mail delivery routes

within the Crow Reservation. Residents collect
their mail at the post offices in Crow

Agency, Garryowen, Wyola, Lodge Grass,

St. Xavier, Fort Smith and

Pryor.

1.2.6 School Bus Routes

There are a number of education-related
transit routes on the Crow Reservation.

The Headstart program provides
transportation for its students, and each of
the eight elementary schools and three high
school provides school bus services for the

students
Table 1.2 - Bridges on the Existing TTP System

1 20 C277 30

4 20 C237 93

4 40 C236 26

4 60 C230 20

4 80 C232 20

4 100 C233 460
4 120 C234 92
4 140 C235 58
6 100 C226 118
8 20 C225 75
14 20 C202 20
16 20 C203 60
73 20 C220 79
73 40 C218 63
73 60 C217 68
73 80 C221 47
91 40 C208 524
91 60 C207 68
114 20 C224 47
191 20 C211 41
205 20 C223 23
205 40 C222 61
226 20 C219 21
CROW RESERVA

an: Part One

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 12 of 33
1.2.7 Transit Routes

The Crow Nation Transit Service serves the Crow tribe in transporting passengers on and off
reservation such as Wyola, Lodge Grass, Hardin and Billings. Passengers include tribal
workers, students, government employees and IHS patients. The transit system has seven
buses that run approximately 700 miles a day with an average of forty passengers one way.
There are three full time drivers and one sub. A route is attached on table.

1.2.8 Regional Transportation

Major highways through the Crow Reservation

include I-90 which extends north-south

through the entire reservation; Highway 85

and the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe railroad

which run parallel to the interstate,

and Highway 212 which connects Crow

Agency and the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.

The closest commercial air service is available

in Billings, as is commercial bus service.

PART TWO

TTP INVENTORY UPDATE

Recommended revisions to the existing

Crow Reservation TTP Inventory are subject
to the approval of the Crow Nation and the
BIA-RMRO.

2.1 Roadway Inventory

As part of the 2005 Crow Reservation TTP
Inventory update, CROW DOT staff inventoried
all roads on the existing Crow Reservation
TTP Inventory, as well as existing roads

which the tribe wishes to add to the inventory.
The data describes the physical characteristics
and condition of each road, and records:

+ Identification (including length, class,
location, etc.);

+ Roadway section;

« Inventory status (including date of update).
The minimum criterion used for inventory
purposes to classify a road as “improved” is
that it be graded and have drainage improvements
(i.e., side ditches and culverts

at cross-drainages).

An inventory data form was developed to
expedite fieldwork. Field inventory data

was then transferred to the BIA inventory
forms.

In order to make changes to the TTP Inventory,
CROW DOT's inventory data is first reviewed
by the tribes and BIA agency, regional,

and DOT offices. Following the

review and comment process, the Tribal

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 13 of 33
Council, through formal resolution, accepts
the data and refers it to the BIA agency office,
regional office and DOT. The data (one

sheet per section of each route) provides
information regarding the physical characteristics
and condition of each road, and includes

a color photo of each section inventoried.

The inventory data forms are located

in Appendix A, Indian Reservation Roads Inventory
Data.

2.1.1 Revisions to the Crow TTP

Inventory

One of the objectives of the inventory update
is to identify reservation roads and

bridges that should be added to, or deleted
from, the BIA system or renumbered to

more logically reflect their relationship with
intersecting roads.

2.1.2 Mileage Corrections to the Crow

TTP Inventory

The mileage on 37 TTP routes on the existing
Crow TTP Inventory was corrected. 18

routes were shortened and 19 routes were
lengthened. See the Inventory Comparison
Listing table in Appendix A for these specific
roads.

2.1.3 Existing Road Sections to be

Added to the Crow TTP Inventory

There are 150 existing roads, which total
647.4 miles, which are eligible for addition

to the Crow TTP System. See the Inventory
Comparison Listing table in Appendix A for
these specific roads.

2.1.4 Roads to be deleted from public access
E 216 Garvin Basin/11mi

E 215 Big Bull Elk/20.4

E 235 Saw Log/ 24.3

E 225 Hunters Cabin/12.3mi

E 207 Red Grade Rd/9mi

Class 1

CROW DOT inventoried no Class 1 roads on the
Crow Reservation during the 2005 Inventory
Update.

Class 2

CROW DOT inventoried 219.5 miles of Class 2
roads on the Crow Reservation during the

2005 Inventory Update.

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 14 of 33
Table 2.1 - Summary of the 2005 Updated Crow TTP System
Class 3

CROW DOT inventoried 6.9 miles of Class 3 roads
on the Crow Reservation during the 2005
Inventory Update.

Class 4

CROW DOT inventoried 845.1 miles of Class 4
roads on the Crow Reservation during the, also
misclassified 4 corrected to 5.

2005 Inventory Update.

Class 5

CROW DOT inventoried 90.5 miles of Class 5
roads on the Crow Reservation during the

2005 Inventory Update.

Classes 6-8

CROW DOT inventoried no Class 6 through Class
8 roads on the Crow Reservation during the

2005 Inventory Update.

Class 9

CROW DOT inventoried 3.5 miles of Class 9 roads
on the Crow Reservation during the 2005
Inventory Update.

Classes 10-11

CROW DOT inventoried no Class 10 through
Class 11 roads on the Crow Reservation

during the 2005 Inventory Update.

2.1.4 Roads to be Deleted from the

Crow TTP Inventory

There are 21 routes which total 132.8 miles,

that are recommended for deletion from the

Crow TTP Inventory. None of these roads

could be located; however, it can be assumed

that the roads were inventoried and

assigned new route numbers during the

2005 TTP Update. The mileage will be recommended
for addition under these new

route numbers.

2.1.5 Bridges to be Added to the Crow

TTP Inventory

CROW DOT inventoried 39 new drainage structures
that are eligible for addition to the TTP
system as BIA bridges. To qualify as such,
the total length of the drainage structure

must span a minimum of 20 feet along the
roadway centerline. Additionally, in the

case of culverts, the distance between each
culvert must be less than half of its diameter.
See Table 2.2 for a listing of existing drainage
structures that are recommended for

addition to the Crow TTP Inventory.

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 15 of 33
During the Inventory Update three bridges

on the existing inventory were renumbered:

+ bridge C221 was renumbered to A023;

+ bridge C208 was renumbered to A002;

+ bridge C207 was renumbered to A003.

2.1.6 Bridges to be Deleted from the

Crow TTP Inventory

There are six bridges to be deleted from the
Crow TTP Inventory. CROW DOT inventory technicians
could not find these bridges during

the TTP Inventory Update. The bridge
numbers are: C202, C218, C224, C226, C230,
and C234.

BIA 164.7 27.3 178.2 101.7 0 471.9

County 93.3 36.9 275.8 263.8 0.5 670.3

Tribe 0.80000.3 1.1 :

Federal 22.20000 22.2

Total 281 64.2 454 365.5 0.8 1,165.5

CROW RESERVATION 2-3

Long Range Transportation Plan: Part Two

Table 2.2 — Existing Bridges Recommended for Addition to the Crow TTP Inventory
*- The bridge number was designated at the time of inventory.

4 120 C238 none 28 Asphalt Bridge

52 40 A050 L02223000+02001 55 Wood Bridge

73 40 A024 00000000000C217 69 Asphalt Bridge

74 30 A026 500313006+02721 60 Asphalt Bridge

74 50 A027 500313002+06761 40 Asphalt Bridge

76 30 A028 500384000+05101 533 Concrete Bridge
78 20 H007 500313008+03271 32 Earth Bridge

85 30 A007 none 40 Concrete Bridge

87 20 A021 500451034+00441 69 Asphalt Bridge

87 40 A020 500451033+03421 69 Asphalt Bridge

87 60 A019 500451024+09811 122 Concrete Bridge
87 80 A018 500451015+07741 64 Concrete Bridge
87 100 A017 500451008+06371 137 Concrete Bridge
91 20 A001 none 33 Asphalt Culverts

212 20 A022 P00037000+00001 200 Concrete Bridge
313 30 HOO1 L02090022+07001 65 Asphalt Bridge
313 50 H002 500313032+06911 101 Concrete Bridge
313 80 H003 500313023+08091 58 Concrete Bridge
313 100 H004 500313008+03271 574 313 Bridge
313 120 H005 500313008+00411 28 Asphalt Culverts
313 140 HO06 500313007+08411 70 Concrete Bridge
384 20 A025 500384001+06281 184 Concrete Bridge
418 20 A014 L02202012+02001 103 Concrete Bridge
418 50 A015 L02202009+07001 94 Concrete Bridge
418 70 A016 L02202000+05001 104 Concrete Bridge
463 20 A013 L02090002+02001 103 Asphalt Bridge
3002 40 C900 none 39 Concrete Bridge

3101 30 C901 00000000000C234 80 Concrete Bridge
3102 30 C902 none 41 Wood Bridge

3104 20 C905 none 44 Wood Bridge

3105 40 C904 none 36 Wood Bridge

7004 20 A008 none 24 Gravel Bridge

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 16 of 33
7004 40 A009 L02273000+01001 60 Concrete Bridge
7006 20 A012 L02266000+04001 88 Concrete Bridge
7007 20 A010 L02318010+03001 93 Gravel Culverts
7007 40 A011 L02318001+08001 28 Gravel Culverts
7546 20 C200 none 34 Wood Bridge

9000 20 A004 L02224003+09001 44 Asphalt Bridge

9004 20 A006 1320003P0000000 22 Gravel Culverts
CROW RESERVATION 2-4

Long Transportation Plan: Part Two

2.2 Existing Traffic Volumes

CROW DOT performed traffic volume studies to
determine the average annual daily traffic
(AADT) on the Crow Reservation TTP system.
These counts indicate whether or not

the existing roads adequately service current
traffic volumes.

Mechanical 24-hour counts were conducted

at 75 locations using Jamar traffic counters.
The traffic counters recorded hourly variations
in traffic as well as the 24-hour totals.

Typically, recorded traffic volumes are adjusted
using an adjustment factor to mitigate

the impact of seasonal or other generally
predictable fluctuations in traffic. The
mechanical vehicle classification counts also
identified the number of heavy vehicles (i.e.
trucks and buses) that were included in the
total traffic count.

Hourly volume data derived from the 75
counters is presented in full in Appendix B,
Traffic Count Data. The 24-Hour Traffic

Count table, found at the beginning of Appendix
B, summarizes this data and presents

the current AADT volumes that were

calculated using MDT adjustment factors.

All count locations are illustrated on Exhibit

1 -— Traffic Count Locations and Average Daily
Traffic, also found in Appendix B.

AADT data was used in conjunction with

the inventory data to update the road inventory
files, determine capacity deficiencies,

and identify potential roadway improvement
projects.
CROW RES
Long Range Tra
PART THREE

THE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

3.1 Future Development Plans

Future development plans identified by the

tribe are incorporated into this report in the
following sections. These plans, and the impacts
that they will have on the existing

tion Plan: Part Three

rta

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 17 of 33
roadway network, form the basis of recommended
roadway system improvements.

These are described in Section 3.2.2 and depicted
on the TTP System and Proposed
Transportation Projects map.

3.1.1 Tribal Goals and Objectives

The Crow Nation’s vision for future development
can be broadly categorized into the

following goals:

« Achieve economic independence from

federal, state and other public programs;

« Develop businesses and revenue

sources that create economic diversity;

« Create full-time, year-round jobs for

tribal members;

« Build an economy that supports tribal

values and sustains tribal culture.

3.1.2 Future Development Plans

The type and degree of development projected
by the target year 2032 on tribal land

is based upon the information provided by

tribal administrative staff. This data is used

to project traffic volumes that would likely

be generated by the various land uses and,
subsequently, to identify road and other
transportation-related improvements that

may be needed to handle that traffic. Proposed
development plans are as follows:

Residential

In order to address the existing unmet housing
need, the Crow Tribal Housing Authority

is planning to construct up to 1,000 single

family homes within ten years. At

present the infrastructure in Crow Agency

and Lodge Grass are being used to capacity

and it will be necessary to expand the infrastructure
network prior to burdening it further.

However, a 68-unit single family housing

Sub division is currently being built to the west of
Crow Agency, and will be completed in the fall of
2006.

Approximately 100 apartment homes are
planned in Crow Agency, although the

plans are presently stalled until rights-ofway
issues are addressed.

Institutional

The Crow Nation wishes to consolidate the
scattered reservation schooling system by
constructing one centralized school in Crow
Agency. Although the kindergarten

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 18 of 33
through twelfth grade facility was initially
established as a ten-year plan, it is a high
tribal priority and is expected to become a
reality within five years.

The Seven Hills Healing Center is located
along Soap Creek Road between Lodge
Grass and Ft. Smith. Although the road was
poorly constructed and is in poor condition,
it is heavily used. Additionally, the road is
difficult to traverse during inclement
weather. Short term plans include gravelling
the road until it can be reconstructed

and paved, and the bridge replaced.

Little Big Horn Community College plans

to expand its facilities by constructing a
gymnasium which has been completed and
student dormitories adjacent

to Custer Creek Road.

The Crow Nation is planning to develop a
new tribal complex on Gas Cap Hill.
Recreation

In the spring of 2014 ground breaking will
occur for the construction of a youth and

Long Range Trar tion Plan: Part Three

recreation center. Facilities will include a
softball field, skate park, and football field.
The recreation center will be located on Gas
Cap Hill Road approximately half of a mile
east of Crow Agency on the east side of the
Little Big Horn River

Commercial

An interstate rest area is planned for the
west side of I-90 at the intersection of the
Interstate and State Highway 212. Construction
is scheduled to begin in 2014, and facilities
will also include a camp ground and a
casino.

A casino, 200-room motel and 18-hole golf
course are planned along State Highway
212, opposite the entrance to the Little Big
Horn Battle Field. Ground breaking is
planned for the spring of 2013.

Industrial

The Nation’s industrial development plans
all focus on extracting and processing fossil
fuels.

The tribe is in the process of developing a

a new coal mine project called the Big Metal coal mine project, in the southeast corner
of reservation.

3.1.3 Projected Travel Demand

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 19 of 33
In its most basic form, travel demand is a
measure of the number of vehicles which
travel to and from a given area. Travel demand
provides a basis for assessing the current
roadway system and for identifying

how that system should be improved to accommodate
existing and future traffic.

Projection of travel demand has three components:
trip generation, trip distribution,

and trip assignment. The factors used to
generate the number of trips are derived

from existing land use and plans for proposed
land use. The probable degree of development
within the next 20 years is a factor

of population projections and the

economic resources available for implementing
development plans. Projected

population for the Crow Nation over the

next 20 years is provided in Table 3.1.

The most reliable way to estimate the traffic
generated by a proposed development is to
use the trip generation rates observed at an
existing development of similar land use

and building type. For this purpose, the

source document used was Trip Generation,
Sixth Edition, Institute of Transportation
Engineers, Washington, D.C., 1997.

3.1.4 Projected Traffic Volumes

Projected traffic volumes are a distribution

of the total projected trips generated by future
development. Also factored is a minimum
amount of background growth for

existing traffic of two percent per year.

Table 3.1 - Population and Housing Projections for the Crow Nation 2006-2025
CROW DOT calculated trip generation rates for
the future development discussed in Section
1.2. The trip generation analysis is presented

in Table 3.2.

Most of the development planned for the

Crow Reservation in the near future will

occur in or near Crow Agency and thus affect
the local road network. The ten homes

which have be constructed in 2006 will generate
approximately 96 trips per day, the

100 apartment-type homes will generate 663
trips per day, and the new school will generate
220 trips per day. The new gymnasium

is estimated to generate 229 trips per

day, and the college dormitories will generate

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 20 of 33
up to 663 trips per day. The development
along Gas Cap Hill Road will generate

a total of 1,521 trips per day, with 1,356 trips
from the recreation center and 165 trips
from the new tribal complex. In total, an
additional 3,392 trips will be made within

the Crow Agency street network and the
main thoroughfares will require upgrades

to accommodate this additional traffic. It is
recommended that a series of traffic impact
analyses be performed on Crow Agency
roads as more of the new facilities are
opened in Crow Agency. These analyses
will identify specific areas which will require
road upgrades and also determine if
additional traffic control and safety measures,
such as traffic lights, are necessary.

The 200-room hotel will generate the most
daily traffic, with an estimated 1,784 trips
per day. In addition, the hotel will be located
adjacent to a casino, which will generate
approximately 810 trips per day, and an
18-hole golf course, which will generate 643
trips per day. This development will thus
generate a total of 3,237 daily trips which
will significantly impact the surrounding

road network. In particular, it is expected
that the majority of this traffic will travel to
the complex via I-90 and SH 212. At present

2006 7,681 41 541
2007 7,781 42 583
2008 7,882 42 625
2009 7,985 43 668
2010 8,089 43 711
2011 8,194 44 755
2012 8,301 44 799
2013 8,409 45 844
2014 8,518 45 889
2015 8,629 46 935
2016 8,741 47 982
2017 8,855 47 1,029
2018 8,970 48 1,077
2019 9,087 49 1,126
2020 9,205 49 1,175
2021 9,325 50 1,225
2022 9,446 50 1,275
2023 9,569 51 1,326
2024 9,693 52 1,378

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 21 of 33
2025 9,819 52 1,430

_Or Tran ation Plan: Part Thre

SH 212 is a two-lane road which already
carries significant traffic to the Little Big

Horn Battle Field. It is recommended that
during construction of the hotel, casino and

golf course, SH 212 is widened to a fourlane
road between I-90 and Little Big Horn

Battle Field Road.

At present there are no specific plans regarding
the location for the 1,000 homes.

Although this number of homes will generate
approximately 9,570 daily trips, it is unknown

if these trips will come from one

large subdivision or will be scattered across

the reservation within the different communities.
Until more specific locations for

the homes are identified, it cannot be determined
how this traffic will affect the local

road network.

The development which is planned for the
vicinity of Garryowen includes a travel rest
area which is estimated to generate 32 trips
per day, a methane plant which will generate
approximately 338 trips per day, and oil

wells which will generate minimal traffic.

The 370 trips generated by the rest area and
methane plant will not have enough impact

on the road network to require road upgrades.
Traffic from I-90 can access the sites

using exit 514, the existing frontage road,
Shoulder Creek Road, and possibly Shoulder
Blade Creek Road. However, since these
roads were not included in the 2005 Inventory
Update conducted by CROW DOT, the condition
of these roads are unknown. Hence it is
recommended that as development commences
within this area, an engineer is retained

to determine if the existing road

conditions will adequately accommodate

the anticipated load of traffic. In particular,

it may be necessary to upgrade the road

base to accommodate heavy vehicles such

as trucks and busses.

The traffic generated by oil wells within the
vicinity of Tanner creek will be insufficient

to warrant upgrading the road network

within the area. It is anticipated that any

access roads will be developed in conjunction
with the wells, and no further upgrades

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 22 of 33
are recommended.

The coal-bed methane plant which will be
constructed in the south east corner of the
reservation will generate only 338 trips per

day. Plans for the facility include constructing

an access road from Decker. The site is

too remote to have an impact on the existing
roadway network and it is unlikely that any
additional roads will be necessary.

Similarly, the coal mine which is planned

for the north east corner of the Crow Reservation

is too remote to have a major impact

on the area road network. It is anticipated

that plans for developing the mine include
constructing an access road from SH 384,

and that this road will be designed to accommodate
the anticipated 675 average
daily trips generated by the coal mine.

However, there is the potential that highspeed
traffic traveling along SH 384 could

pose safety risks for individuals turning in

and out of the mine. It is recommended that

a traffic impact analysis is performed at this
intersection to determine of it is necessary

to construct turning/deceleration lanes

The power plant, which will be located approximately
one mile north of Hardin, will

be accessible from I-90 and SH 47. It is anticipated
that SH 47 will adequately accommodate

the 270 average daily trips generated

by the power plant, and that no road

upgrades will be necessary.

CROW RESERVATION 3-5

Long Range Transportation Plan: Part Three

Table 3.2 — Projected Average Daily Traffic Volumes

* Trips generated if the 1,000 homes are constructed in phases over the next 10 years

AM Peak

Hr PM Peak Hr AM Peak

Hr PM Peak Hr

ITE

Code

Land Use Intensity Units Daily In Out In Out Daily In Out In Out
Residential

210 SFH 1,000* Dwellings 9.57 0.19 0.56 0.64 0.36 9,570* 190 560 640 360
210 SFH 10 Dwellings 9.57 0.19 0.56 0.64 0.36 96 2664

220 Apartment 100 Dwellings 6.63 0.16 0.40 0.41 0.26 663 16 40 41 26
Subtotal 759 (10,329*) Trips per Day

Institutional

521 K-12 School 40 1,000 sq.

feet 5.50 2.23 1.31 - - 220 89 52 - -

495 Gymnasium 10 1,000 sq.

feet 22.88 1.42 1.26 0.84 1.42 229 14 138 14

220 Dormitory 100 Dwellings 6.63 0.16 0.40 0.41 0.26 663 16 40 41 26
710 General Office

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 23 of 33
Building 15 1,000 sq.

feet 11.01 1.37 0.18 0.25 1.24 165 213419

435

Multipurpose

Recreational

Facility

15 Acres 90.38 1.44 1.44 5.77 5.77 1,356 22 22 87 87
Subtotal 2,633 Trips per Day

Commercial

417

Regional

Park (Rest

Area)

5 Acres 6.44 - - 0.14 0.27 32--11

473 Casino 30 1,000 sq.

feet 27.00 - - 7.52 5.90 810 - - 226 177

310 Hotel 200 Occupied

Rooms 8.92 0.35 0.29 0.42 0.32 1,784 70 58 84 64
430 Golf Course 18 Holes 35.74 1.41 1.60 1.53 2.03 643 25 29 28 28
Subtotal 3,237 Trips per Day

Industrial

120

Heavy Industrial

(Methane

Plant)

50 Acres 6.75 3.21 3.21 2.11 2.11 338 160 160 106 106
120

Heavy Industrial

(Coal

Mine)

100 Acres 6.75 3.21 3.21 2.11 2.11 675 321 321 211 211
120

Heavy Industrial

(Power

Plant)

40 Acres 6.75 3.21 3.21 2.11 2.11 270 128 128 84 84
Subtotal 1,283 Trips per Day

Total Trips 7,912 (17,482*) Trips per Day

CROW RESERVATION 3-6

Long Range Transportation Plan: Part Three

3.1.5 Analysis of Demand and Capacity
To develop recommendations for a road
improvement program, future traffic volumes
must be analyzed against the capacity

of the existing road network.

CROW DOT performed 66 mechanical classification
counts that provided accurate and verifiable
data detailing traffic flow on Crow

TTP routes. Exhibit 1, Traffic Count Location
Map, identifies the location of the traffic
counts and also presents the projected traffic
volumes.

All of the traffic counts in Crow Agency recorded
high average daily rates of traffic. In
particular, the counter on BIA 1014 tallied
5,385 cars per day and the second highest
count was recorded on BIA 1011, with 3,979

cars per day. Although there is a high volume

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 24 of 33
of traffic throughout Crow Agency, the

traffic flows well. The only recommended

upgrade within the short term (five years) is

to widen BIA 1006 to a three-lane road. This

will provide a center turning lane to eliminate

conflicts between vehicles waiting to

turn left and on-going traffic.

In the long term it will be necessary to upgrade

and widen BIA 1011 and BIA 1014.

The 20-year projected volume of traffic for

BIA 1011 is 5,910 cars per day, and BIA 1014

will experience an increase to 7,996 cars per

day. However, it is recommended that engineering

studies are performed on these

roads prior to any upgrades to determine

the specific measures that are necessary to

improve traffic flow.

3.2 Recommended Transportation

Improvements

The Long Range Transportation Plan for the

Crow Nation outlines existing conditions,

identifies transportation needs, and presents

an integrated set of recommended

roadway improvements for the tribes. The

plan also includes policies and related actions

necessary to implement the plan, and

identifies the government agencies and private

entities that have programmed funds

to carry out the improvements.

3.2.1 Proposed Road Sections to be

Added to the Crow TTP Inventory

Based on the tribe’s future development

plans, there are sections of non-existing,

proposed roads to be added to the Crow

TTP Inventory. The non-existing, proposed roads are:

PR#1 - RT#1110

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesity alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along

with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#2 — RT#1111

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesity alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 25 of 33
with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#3 — RT#1112

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesity alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along

with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#4 — RT#1113

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesity alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along
with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#5 — RT#1114

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesity alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along

with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#6 — RT#1115

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesity alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along
with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#7 — RT#1116

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesites alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along

with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#8 — RT#1117

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesites alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along
with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#9 — RT#1118

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 26 of 33
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesites alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along
with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#10 — RT#1119

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesites alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along
with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#11 — RT#1126

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesites alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along
with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#12 — RT#1127

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesites alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along
with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#13 — RT#1128

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesites alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along
with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#14 — RT#1129

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesites alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along

with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

PR#15 — RT#1130

Crow land base is characterized by significant “checker boarding” of Indiand and non-Indian land. There are no
existing roads to there tribal lands causing a decrease in prosperity value and revenue. Due to the lack of access
tribal members lose in excess of thirty million dollars. These lands allow for the use of major resources such as
grazing lands, future economic development and homesites alone with more cultural practices to allow
enrichment to the crow way of life. Roads used for fire control. Cultural practices such as fasting sights along
with medicinal plants uasage for tribal members. Road also used for hunting during season along with seasonal
recreation.

Crow Tribal Long Range Transportation Plan Page 27 of 33
[OCR skipped on page(s) 31-36]

[Read from a scan; the first 30 pages.]

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Acrow_montana%3A58e60eb5bc050853. Public record. Not legal advice.