Funds for Airports
The Montana Aeronautics Board has allocated more than $3.2 million in funding for fiscal year 2026 designated for a range of airport infrastructure enhancement initiatives. A portion of the annual grants and loans is intended to match Federal Aviation Administration funding for substantial airport construction projects. Requests totaling approximately $5.7 million were submitted by 49 public-use airports throughout the state.
Governors Gianforte and DeSantis Advocate for Balanced Budget Amendment to Address Federal Overspending
Governors Greg Gianforte and Ron DeSantis of Florida advocated for a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution to address federal overspending. This amendment would require the government to spend within its means, similar to state requirements. They highlighted the lack of limits on congressional borrowing and the failure to pass timely budgets since 1996, stressing the need for fiscal responsibility to manage the national debt effectively.
Senator Sheehy Praises Border Patrol for Apprehending Tren de Aragua Gang Members in Montana
Three Tren de Aragua gang members were apprehended by Havre Sector U.S. Border Patrol agents in Montana. Senator Tim Sheehy praised the agents’ efforts, emphasizing Montanans’ desire to keep violent illegal aliens out. Tren de Aragua’s presence in Montana has grown, with six members arrested in Bozeman last February.
DPHHS advocates push lawmakers to restore money for kids summer food program in budget
47,000 Montana households could lose out on money that helps pay for food during the summer because legislators decided to cut the program from the governor’s proposed budget. Summer EBT offers eligible families $40 per summer month or $120 total per child between the ages of 7 and 15. The Department of Public Health and Human Services is hoping to put it back into the budget.
Jobless rate at 2.8% lowest since 2023
Newly revised estimates released each year in March show Montana’s unemployment rate averaged 3% in 2024. Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 2.8% in January the lowest since September 2023 continuing the record of 43 consecutive months of unemployment at or below 3.4%. Montana’s unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than the national unemployment rate which is 4%. Annual employment estimates show that Montana added 3,000 jobs in 2024 for a growth rate of 0.5%. The labor force reached a record high of 579,000 in 2024, growing 0.8% over the year.
Tracking recreation on the Yellowstone: ‘First of its kind’ study presents unique findings
Results from the Yellowstone River Recreation Use Study of 2021 through 2023 are in. The study inquired what aspects of the river people find unsatisfactory and respondents mentioned too many people on the river poor etiquette and obnoxious behavior. Landowner complaints include littering unauthorized latrine use dogs chasing livestock unattended campfires and opened gates. The three-year river recreation use study is the “first of its kind” providing baseline data.
Trade with Canada: Montana farmers home builders could be hit by Trump’s tariffs
A lot of products Montana depends on come from Canada every year from $86 million worth of softwood lumber for housing construction to $123 million worth of fertilizer for farmers. They could all get more expensive if President Donald Trump enacts his tariffs of either 10% or 25% on a variety of Canadian goods April 2nd. Trump has already implemented tariffs on some goods coming into the U.S. from Canada including steel and aluminum.
Back to work: 7 fired Yellowstone employees to return after court rulings though uncertainty remains
Some employees fired from Yellowstone National Park will begin returning as early as next week following recent rulings deemed the mass termination of probationary federal workers illegal. 32 Yellowstone National Park probationary employees were fired as part of the Trump administration’s budget-cutting efforts and seven have learned they’re being reinstated. In all more than 1,000 probationary National Park Service employees nationwide were let go.
Some Helena Civic Center fees might be raised by $250 if city commissioners approve a future structure change. Today they will vote to set an official hearing date for the fee structure change which is a step toward final approval to raise $57,172 in new funding. The center hosts a variety of events like symphony performances vintage markets and slap-fight tournaments.
The Hamilton City Council has amended a contract to pay WGM Group Incorporated $228,885.80 for construction services on the Ravalli Street reconstruction project. With its direct connection to U.S. Highway 93 the street’s aging infrastructure and high volume of traffic present various safety concerns to cyclists and pedestrians including school children who use the route to commute to Daly Elementary School.
A settlement agreement in a lawsuit filed by the state against Flathead County for rejecting the opening of a prerelease center in Evergreen will be considered by the county Board of Adjustment. It is set to hold a public hearing on the matter Tuesday evening and then vote on the document April 1st. Residents living near the hotel expressed concerns about the center while business owners said the center would provide an opportunity to hire individuals residing there.
A plan to construct a major housing and commercial development near the California Street pedestrian bridge in Missoula has taken a step forward as the Missoula Consolidated Planning Board unanimously approved a rezone request. Developers are planning 235 dwelling units and 8,500 square feet of commercial space.
