4.9.203    GUIDELINES

(1) Covering guidelines of the committee programs that could allow for public participation but may vary in relation to resources available, public response, and the nature of the issues involved would be the main criteria for this rule. Some of the areas that this rule will pertain to are:

(a) Informational materials - the committee shall provide and make accessible all available policy, programs and/or technical information to enable interested or affected parties to make informed and constructive contributions toward committee decisions. News releases and other publications may be used for this purpose as well as informational discussions and meetings with interested citizen's groups. Special efforts shall be made to summarize complex technical materials for public and media use.

(b) Assistance to the public - the committee will have a procedure for providing technical and informational assistance to public groups for citizen education, committee workshop training, dissemination of information to concerned groups and individuals. Requests for such information shall be promptly handled.

(c) Consultation - the committee shall have a procedure for early consultation and exchange of views with interested persons and organizations on development or revision of plans.

(d) Notification - the committee shall maintain a current list of interested persons and organizations including anyone who has requested inclusion on such a list for the distribution of information such as that listed in (1) (a) of this rule. The committee shall in addition notify any interested persons of any public hearing. Further, internal procedures for receiving and ensuring proper consideration of evidence and information submitted by citizens will be developed.

History: Sec. 80-11-205 MCA; IMP, Sec. 80-11-205 MCA; NEW, 1977 MAR p. 943, Eff. 11/26/77.