Study supports 4 lanes for U.S. 2

A study commissioned by the proponents of four lanes for U.S. Highway 2 across Montana says widening the highway will not only help the economy on the Hi-Line, it is a requirement for economic development.

"It would be a catalyst," said Hal Cooper of Cooper Consulting Co. in Kirkland, Wash. "(Economic development) won't happen without economic opportunity and that requires transportation."

Cooper will be at meetings in Havre tonight and in Chinook Wednesday night to discuss his report. He will return next week to attend public meetings being held about a draft environmental impact statement on...