Zinke pushes $8 million through Congress for western Montana projects

Western Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke stood next to President Donald Trump as he signed in several federal appropriation bills on Friday, which included about $8 million for western Montana-related projects. 

The $8 million is part of more than $35 million Zinke, a Republican, has requested in taxpayer funds for Montana projects in fiscal year 2026, including some proposals that previously failed to reach the president's desk.

In a press release on Friday, Zinke said the money will have an immediate, positive impact for Montanans. Zinke is also up for reelection this fall. 

“These projects come directly from county commissioners and sheriffs who are on the front lines of their communities every day,” Zinke said in the release. “They know what needs to be done to improve public safety and infrastructure, and these projects will make a real difference for the communities they serve."

The largest line item secured $2.89 million to help five Montana counties make bulk vehicle and equipment purchases. Mineral, Lake, Beaverhead, Lincoln and Sanders counties will all benefit from the funding, according to Zinke's office.

Roughly $1.75 million will head to Missoula County for water well upgrades in Lolo. The Missoulian previously reported the county plans to expand the system both from federal funding and higher impact fees for new connections. 

Another $1.75 million will be awarded to the City of Philipsburg to upgrade its water transmission line. Zinke originally requested $5 million for the project, which seeks to improve the municipal water main to the town. 

The awards were capped off by $1 million for a water storage project in Alberton, and roughly $900,000 for expanding DNA testing and purchasing vehicles at the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office. 

Several of the projects have been submitted by Zinke before, but government shutdowns and continuing resolutions from Congress halted the money. Zinke resubmitted most of those proposals. 

More funding in pipeline

Zinke still has $27 million in community projects actively going through the appropriations process, which passed the House of Representatives on Jan. 22 and still needs U.S. Senate approval. 

The Seeley Lake sewer project is currently set to rope in $10 million of federal funds, which could be used to start building out a multi-phase sewer system across the unincorporated town.

Zinke previously told the Missoulian he planned on submitting two $10-million proposals when he was running for reelection in 2024. Sewer officials plan to pay for the infrastructure only through grants, and estimated the total cost could surpass $20 million.

The sewer is meant to unlock growth in the town of about 1,000 residents, which has restrictions on new septic tanks and lost its largest employer, Pyramid Mountain Lumber, in 2024.

Another large funding bid would allocate $10 million for replacing the Noxon Bridge in Sanders County. The bridge is 102 years old, the only way into the town of Noxon, and is rapidly deteriorating.

Several other smaller awards from Zinke are also in the appropriations bill.