Zinke’s Request to Bring Nearly $35 Million Directly to Western Montana Signed into Law

(WASHINGTON, D.C.)Congressman Ryan Zinke released the following statement after the President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act into law. The bill includes Zinke’s request for almost $35 million directly to 12 separate Western Montana infrastructure, rural development, and public safety projects.

The bill text and explanatory statements released are FY24 funding measures for the Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS); Energy and Water Development; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies (MILCON/VA); and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD).

“I am proud to have fought for Montana and our needed critical infrastructure projects. We have places where our bridges are falling apart, roads need improvements and our law enforcement deserves better equipment,” Zinke said. “I am particularly proud to have worked with the Blackfeet Nation to meet the tribe where the Indian Health Service has failed and deliver a youth center in Browning where kids and seniors will have a safe haven that honors the great Blackfeet culture.”

Last Thursday, Zinke welcomed Marvin Weatherwax as his State of the Union (SOTU) guest. Weatherwax is a former Chairman of and member of the Blackfeet Nation’s Tribal Business Council, current chairman of the Coalition of Large Tribes, and is a Democrat in the Montana State House.

Zinke’s Community Project Funding Requests: 

• $20,000,000 for the Blackfeet Nation Tribal Center Project - THUD
• $1,000,000 for the Beaverhead County Bridge Rehabilitation Project - THUD
• $1,000,000 for the Ravalli County Ricketts Road Improvement Project - THUD
• $3,315,000 for the Kalispell Two Mile Drainage Improvement Project - THUD
• $833,123 for the Powell County Relocation New Central Maintenance Facility - THUD
• $150,000 for Anaconda-Deer Lodge Access to Broadband - AG
• $1,315,000 for the Flathead County Emergency Service Radio Tower - CJS
• $500,000 for the Glacier County 911 Center and Radio Equipment for Law Enforcement - CJS
• $410,000 for the Glacier County Patrol Vehicles and Detainee Safety Enhancement - CJS
• $300,000 for the Lake County Law Enforcement Vehicles and Security Upgrade Project - CJS
• $1,088,000 for the Madison County Nursing Home Revitalization & Modernization - AG
• $5,000,000 for Park County to Rebuild a Bridge - THUD

Read more about each community project funding request here.

Marvin Weatherwax, former Blackfeet Tribal Council Chairman and current Chairman of the Coalition of Large Tribes said, “Congressman Zinke has demonstrated a commitment to the Blackfeet Nation which quite frankly has outpaced Indian Health Service and their trust responsibility in providing healthcare. Not only did Congressman Zinke listen- he took action.  The Blackfeet Nation was able to host U.S. House members in Browning, MT during North American Indian Days in July. The three Representatives were U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz.; U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla.; U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont. They respected our government, our process and listened to our concerns about the lies and failures of Indian Health Service and they committed to working with us to solve it. Now we have the opportunity to build a youth center where the youth can gather, be physically active and more importantly where they can be safe. This is a positive. Too often media about tribes is negative. But today is good because it shows what good things can happen when we truly work together.”

Pam Holmquist, Flathead County Commissioner said, “Gratitude knows no bounds for Congressman Ryan Zinke's unwavering dedication in securing crucial funding for our 911 dispatchers' technology upgrades. His tireless effort empowered our first responders with the tools they need to save lives efficiently and effectively. Thank you, Ryan, for prioritizing public safety and ensuring our communities remain safe and resilient.”

Mark Johnson, Kalispell Mayor said, “I am more than thankful for the continued assistance we receive from Congressman Zinke in Kalispell. The allocation of Department of Transportation funds in the funding bill will improve drainage infrastructure and access and pedestrian safety on a section of Two Mile Drive. The growth we have seen over the past 4 years has strained our limited resources and having someone like Congressman Zinke in our corner has been a godsend.”

Tom Seifert, Glacier County Undersheriff said, “I just want to take a little time to express my gratitude to Congressman Ryan Zinke. I have worked as a Law Enforcement Officer for Glacier County for 22 years.  In those 22 years, I cannot remember a time when we had a representative show up, listen to our needs and do their best to help us.  Usually people pass through, make promises and leave.  It’s fantastic to know we have a representative working for our state who actually wants to help.  I can’t express my gratitude enough.  In my opinion, the needs of Montana’s people should be first and foremost on the minds of our representatives.  With Ryan Zinke, that certainly seems to be the case. It’s been a pleasure working with Congressman  Ryan Zinke and I hope to continue working on the needs of our people with you guys long into the future." 

Mike McGinley, Beaverhead County Commissioner said, “Getting funding for projects takes more than just snapping your fingers to make it happen. We’ve been working with Zinke and his team for nearly a year to make sure our community made the priority list and he’s delivered, and it’s appreciated.” 

Greg Chilcot, Ravalli County Commissioner said, “Many thanks to Congressman Zinke for bringing these requests full circle. Our County is a great place to live, and we appreciate Congressman Zinke for helping us keep it that way.”

Dan Allhands, Chairman, Madison County Commissioners said, “The Madison County Nursing Homes Foundation, in support of the Tobacco Root Mountains Care Center in Sheridan, Montana, and the Madison Valley Manor in Ennis, Montana, is overwhelmed with gratitude for the $1.088M funding opportunity, which was included in the Agriculture Appropriation Bill. These funds will directly impact and improve the lives of our community members, our residents and their families, staff, management, and volunteers. Funds will also be used to renovate and improve our facilities and allow us to finally purchase new electric beds and equipment."

Background:

The requests were made through the U.S. House of Representatives Community Project Funding policy which allows Members of the House to propose up to 15 local projects to receive funding from eligible grant programs. All projects must meet the published grant requirements and pass a series of legislative hurdles. Every project must be approved by the House Appropriations Committee, which Zinke is a member, the full House of Representatives and be included in the joint funding package approved by the House and Senate and signed by the President. Community Project Funding does not increase federal spending, the funding is allocated from previously authorized grant accounts. Allowing elected Members of Congress to direct grant funding brings accountability and transparency to a process that would otherwise be decided by unelected officials in the federal government. 

###