The Montana Department of Transportation selected RLBA to update its State Rail Plan. The updated plan defined the state's role in rail planning, described Montana's rail network including traffic flows, developed procedures for analysis of rail freight lines and assessed rail lines at risk of abandonment, examined the feasibility of new passenger rail service, reviewed federal and state funding sources, evaluated various rail issues important to Montana in the context of Montana's total transportation system.

The process of updating the plan included participation of state and local officials, and the railroad industry. The assignment included the economic analysis of the Dakota, Missouri Valley & Western Railroad low density rail line between Westby and Whitetail in accordance with the Federal Railroad Administration’s benefit-cost methodology.