This collection is a sub-subgroup under the Montana Department of Transportations records, RS 492. The Public Affairs Bureau operates under the DOT Director's Office Division. To see the other Department of Transportation records, go to the primary finding aid, RS 492.

The Public Affairs Bureau records (1991-1992, 1995-2001) consist of both the Information Unit files (1969-1994), the Public Affairs Bureau files (1991-1995), and the Public Information Officer files (1996-1999). The Information Unit files primarily include compiled statistical information, news and press release, tourist and other referential information necessary for public, Federal, and State inquiries and data. Correspondence with other State departments and Highways Bureaus include news, media, and press releases; clippings; reports, studies and survey data; public presentations and speeches. Some significant topics include rest area information displays, Gallatin Canyon – US Highway 191 highway studies, the “Montana Highway Dilemma”, and Transportation 20/20 studies.

The Public Affairs Bureau records (1991-1992, 1995-2001) consist of general press releases (1991-2001), and a subject files (1995) regarding the Dave Manning Memorial Building Dedication. Press release topics include Commission meetings and bid lettings The Public Information Officer, Dennis Unsworth, was the Chief of the Public Affairs Bureau, as well as the Manager of the Information Unite, before departmental reorganization. Unsworth’s files (1998-2000) contain similar records to those within the Information Unit and the Public Affairs Bureau files. The public Information Officer concern public relations, referential information to be used for media relations, and public awareness campaigns. A number of the files relate specifically to the US Highway 93 / Stevensville construction.