Yellowstone County Commissioners Approve Abandonment of North 21 Road Section

During the Yellowstone County Commissioner Meeting on October 31, 2023, a significant discussion centered around the proposed abandonment of a portion of North 21 Road, which has not been utilized by the public and was never constructed to county standards. The road, measuring approximately 1,200 feet from West M Road, primarily served as access for adjacent farming and ranching operations owned by Arlene Hein.

Mike Black, the Yellowstone County Engineer, presented the details of the petition to abandon this section of the road. He explained that the original road was created through a previous petition but was never built, and the petitioner has since established a private driveway and other farming trails in the area. The county has determined that it has no current or future need for this portion of the road, and the abandonment would not affect legal access to surrounding private lands.

The Board of Viewers, which included county officials, conducted a field inspection and unanimously recommended the approval of the abandonment without any conditions. This recommendation was met with little opposition, as the commissioners prepared to open a public hearing on the matter.

The decision to abandon this road segment reflects the county's ongoing efforts to streamline land use and ensure that public resources are aligned with community needs. As the meeting progressed, it became clear that this action would simplify access for the property owner while eliminating unnecessary maintenance responsibilities for the county.

In conclusion, the abandonment of North 21 Road is poised to enhance local agricultural operations while allowing Yellowstone County to focus on more pressing infrastructure needs. The commissioners are expected to finalize this decision shortly, marking a step forward in managing county resources effectively.