Montana Wins eGovernment Services Awards

Three of Montana’s eGovernment Services were just recognized as award winners by the Center for Digital Government. The “Best of the Web” awards rank the top U.S., state and local Web services, recognizing advances in digital solutions. The awards showcase progressive and innovative Web sites and digital applications by governments worldwide.

The Department of Administration was recognized for ePass Montana https://app.mt.gov/epass/epass , a service for businesses and citizens that allows access to online services with one username and password resulting in improved customer service, security and cost efficiencies.

The Department of Livestock’s Market Permits and Sheep Transportation Permits http://liv.mt.gov/news/2008/20080905.asp received honorable mention in the government-to-citizen category for state government. The permitting systems allow debit card purchases when transporting horses, cattle or sheep.

Lewis and Clark County’s Burn Permits http://www.co.lewis-clark.mt.us/departments/health/environmental-health-services/air-quality.html received honorable mention in the government-to-citizen category for local government. The new service makes the process of issuing permits, activating permits and tracking burn locations more efficient and cost effective for the county.

In addition, the State of Montana’s partnership with Montana Interactive, LLC http://sos.mt.gov/ , was recognized for its Electronic Government Services Initiative. The initiative promotes online services and provides easy access to state government for all citizens. Since 2001, the State of Montana, in partnership with Montana Interactive, has received over 3 million visits to 152 eGovernment services.

“I congratulate these agencies and Montana Interactive on these awards,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “We look forward to our continued success in online services for Montana. These awards are an example of how the State of Montana continues to use information technology to save money and offer improved services to the citizens of Montana.”

Helena-based Montana Interactive is a key developer and provider of the state’s eGovernment services that are available through the official Montana “Online Services” web site (http://www.mt.gov) and is a wholly owned subsidiary of eGovernment firm NIC.