Breaking news: Highway 2 Association withdraws request for new environmental studies

Highway 2 Association has withdrawn its request for a review of the federal environmental impact statement that has blocked construction of a four-lane highway east of Havre.

That decision will apparently clear the way for a reconstruction of the two-lane highway east of Havre. Work is expected to begin this summer.

Montana Department of Transportation officials had said they feared if the environmental studies were reviewed, construction would be delayed.

"We are acting on behalf of the people as they don't want anymore delays." said Bob Sivertsen, Highway 2 Association chairman.

Sivertsen expressed a frustration with MDT, saying the association had begun its quest for a revisit of the environmental studies in 2006.