Bullock's plan has lots for Hi-Line

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock’s $300 million Build Montana program, aimed at improving the state’s sagging infrastructure, includes several projects for the Hi-Line.

In addition to the importance of improving the state’s schools, highways and water projects, the governor said the program would add jobs and improve the economy around the state.

The Montana Commerce Department estimates the governor’s effort would support 4,293 jobs, create $561 million in economic output and increase wages by $200 million the governor said in introducing the plan.

State Rep. Jeff Welborn, a Republican from Dillon, will sponsor the bill in the House, the governor said.

This will improve its chances of passage in the House, where Republicans hold a 59-41 advantage. Most or all of the Democrats are expected to back the Bullock proposal, but Republican votes will be needed to assure passage.

Among Hi-Line projects listed in the governor’s proposal include:

• $525,000 for heating and ventilations repairs at Havre High School. Superintendent Andy Carlson said the district had air quality concerns in the high school and put in for the grant.

• $125,000 that will go to the wastewater treatment program being implemented in Chester.

• $392,615 to solve heating and ventilation issues at North Star High School.

• $334,810 to address similar problems at North Star Elementary School.

• $10 million to the North Central Montana Water Authority for its continuing efforts to provide potable water to rural areas of northern Montana. Much of this money will be spent on work at Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.

• A previously announced $500,000 for repairs to Bullhook drainage stormwater program in Havre. This will come from the the Treasure State Endowment Program.

• $125,000 for the ongoing Big Sandy Water project.

• $125,000 to the Liberty County Conservation District

• $207,184 for unspecified bridge replacements in Chouteau County.

• $291,997 for rebuilding of Hinebauch Bridge in southern Hill County.

Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, said the plan was not enough to meet the state’s needs.

Infrastructure around the state is in poor shape, and the governor's plan is not enough to meet the needs, Windy Boy said.

He said the money allocated for the North Central Water Authority is less than one-tenth of what is needed for completion on the Rocky Boy reservation, to say nothing of needs in other parts of northern Montana.

"But, I guess it's a good start," he said. "We'll need a lot more.'

State Sen. Kris Hansen, R-Havre, said she could not comment, not having seeen the governor's announcement.

Paul Tuss, executive director of Bear Paw Development Corp., which seeks out funding of Hi-Line projects, was encouraged by the proposal.

Infrastructure is vital encouraging businesses to locate in the area, he said.

Many businesses won't look at an area that does not have quality water and sewer systems, he said.

He pointed to a recent study by the American Society of Civil Engineers that graded Montana with a C-minus for its infrastructure.