Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has proposed a $200 million plan for 2017 aimed at improving infrastructure projects across the state and creating additional construction jobs.
Bullock, who announced the proposal at the end of the state’s 2016 legislative session, also wants to create the Build Montana Trust to fund future projects.
“My number one priority moving into the 2017 legislative session is once again to invest in infrastructure across the state,” he says, “and I am calling on every legislator that comes to Helena in January to put Montana jobs over Montana politics and get this done.
“Together we can build up Montana’s infrastructure to ensure that Montana communities, businesses, and residents have efficient and reliable infrastructure that sets the foundation for a thriving economy, creates countless jobs, and protects Montana’s quality of life for this and all future generations.”
Bullock’s plan would dedicate 75 percent of the Coal Tax Severance Fund revenues to create the Build Montana Trust. This could occur because two “sub-trusts” used to fund the Treasure State Endowment Program and Rural Water Projects will be fully funded in 2017, meaning those revenues could be diverted to the new trust.
“Infrastructure repair and development in Montana is one of the keys to our continued economic success and Montanans cannot afford to have our infrastructure continue to deteriorate because the legislature’s inaction and political posturing,” says Dick Anderson, CEO of Dick Anderson Construction, who accompanied Bullock at the proposal’s announcement.
“Montana is a place we are all proud to live, raise our families, build businesses, and call home. Gov. Bullock is taking a bold step to develop a sustainable way to fund important infrastructure, and ensure the Montana we pass on to our kids and grandkids is even better than today.”