The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced Montana will receive nearly $25 million to replace lead pipes in water systems within 10 years. A new rule from the Biden-Harris administration will require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for communities to act on lead in drinking water. There is no safe level of exposure for lead especially for children.
The U.S. Department of Energy has conditionally committed to a $1.44 billion loan for the expansion of Calumet Montana’s Renewables facility in Great Falls to increase production of sustainable aviation fuel. Once the facility reaches full capacity it would produce about 10 percent of the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of producing 3 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel annually by 2030. It would increase annual biofuel production from its current 140 million gallons to about 315 million gallons.
Only six governors in the country earned a grade of “A” from the Cato Institute. The Big Sky Business Journal reports Montana’s Governor Greg Gianforte is one of them on the report that grades governors on their fiscal policies from a limited government perspective. Governors receiving an A are those who have cut taxes and spending the most whereas governors receiving an F have increased taxes and spending the most.
Crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is used to determine how safe Montana and other states are for pedestrians. Montana is right in the middle as the 21st safest state for pedestrians. In Montana the least safe day for pedestrians is Tuesday and the most dangerous time is 6 to 7 in the evening.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries are noticing a slight increase in their benefits due to the latest cost-of-living adjustments. For most households the increase in SNAP benefits is modest amounting to a few extra dollars every month. Starting in January a 2.5% COLA increase will also help them and those on Social Security.
Driving around Montana these days you are bound to see a variety of license plates from all over the country. Some of the license plates are from rental cars, some are people visiting the state and some have actually moved here. When it comes to states where Californians are moving to the most Montana ranks 31st.
A 26-acre parcel that was recently added to Missouri Headwaters State Park will soon be open for public access. Officials with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks are planning a celebration Friday morning at 11 in the information plaza across from the park office. The public is welcome to attend to explore the parcel along with the rest of the park.
A subcommittee of three Kalispell city councilors will brainstorm potential projects eligible for funding through a trails and sidewalk assessment district this evening in City Hall beginning at 7. The district would use tax dollars to fund the maintenance and construction of new trails and sidewalks in the city. The amount of funding needed has yet to be decided and would be put before voters.
Voters in Cascade County are seeing blue markings on their absentee ballot envelopes this election season. The colored markings make it easier for election offices to distinguish between current ballots and those from previous elections.
General hunting season starts Saturday and will run through December 1st while a number of side seasons have already opened. Hunting season is significant in Montana drawing thousands from throughout the country and the world.
