Zinke Brings Millions Home to Western Montana
Over the past week, Congressman Zinke traveled across Western Montana to deliver millions of dollars in federal funding he secured through the FY2026 appropriations process. The ceremonial check tour highlighted investments in rural infrastructure and public safety that support communities across the district.
On Monday, Zinke began the tour in Flathead County, where he delivered a $1 million check for the installation of guardrails along North Fork Road. The project is in conjunction with the Flathead County Roads Department’s planned repaving of the corridor.
Zinke then drove to Noxon, where he presented a $10 million check for the Noxon Bridge Replacement project, a critical transportation link for Sanders County. He also delivered a $1.15 million check to repave Marten Creek Road and a $965,000 check for Sanders County law enforcement’s purchase of new vehicles and equipment.
The day concluded in Libby, where Zinke presented a $799,000 check for law enforcement upgrades and a $454,000 check to repair the Troy Airport runway, strengthening aviation access for rural travel and emergency services.
“States like Montana have been overlooked for too long, our infrastructure is aging and our law enforcement is underequipped for the massive acreage they cover. Replacing aging bridges, upgrading rural roads, and making sure our sheriffs and deputies have the gear they need protects families, supports local economies, and keeps Montana moving,” said Rep. Zinke. “These projects were a team effort, from Sander County Commissioner Tony Cox calling me and my office near every day to the hard work of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office, we made sure this funding went to the priorities of the communities that need them most."
On Wednesday, the tour continued in Ronan, where Zinke delivered a $547,500 check for a new Type 1 fire truck for the Ronan Volunteer Fire Department and a $200,000 check for Lake County law enforcement equipment.
Zinke then headed to Superior, where he presented a $725,000 check for Mineral County patrol vehicles and equipment.
In Hamilton, at his last stop of the day, Zinke delivered a $2.5 million check for a new Ravalli County wastewater treatment plant, a $1 million check to repair Old Corvallis Road, and a $1 million check to replace the Groff Lane Bridge.
“Montana communities thrive when our infrastructure is strong and our first responders are ready for anything,” said Rep. Zinke. “Upgrades to wastewater systems in Ravalli County will protect our rivers and keep towns healthy. Firefighters and law enforcement in Lake and Mineral County are receiving the equipment they need to keep families safe. My goal is to make sure the front lines have the recourses they need to do the job, and these investments accomplish that goal.”
On Thursday, Zinke traveled to Philipsburg, where he delivered a $1.75 million check to upgrade the town’s water transmission line.
Later that day, in Deer Lodge, he presented a $554,969 check for the Powell County volunteer fire departments to strengthen emergency response across the region.
“In Montana everyone has a duty, and my job is to make sure our county officials and volunteer first responders have the tools to do theirs,” said Rep. Zinke. “In Powell County that means making sure volunteer fire departments serving some of the most remote terrain in the state have the equipment they need to respond quickly to accidents, emergencies, and search and rescue operations. In Philipsburg, it means upgrading an aging water transmission line so residents and businesses can rely on safe, dependable water. Thank you to all the local officials and community leaders who worked with my office to bring these projects forward and get them across the finish line.”
On Friday, Zinke traveled to Bozeman, where he delivered a $907,000 check to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office for the purchase of Rapid DNA technology and new patrol vehicles for the Belgrade City Police. He also presented a $200,000 check to the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Department for new police vehicles.
Zinke then traveled to Seeley Lake, delivering a $10,000,000 check for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant to improve the reliability and capacity of the town’s sewer system.
“Clean water and strong law enforcement, these investments are about keeping our communities safe, healthy, and prepared for the future,” said Rep. Zinke. “Upgrading water systems in Seeley Lake is essential to solving the affordable housing problem that caused the closure of Pyramid Lumber two years ago. And both Beaverhead and Gallatin County are dealing with rapid growth and the increase in need for law enforcement presence that comes with it. Providing new technology and vehicles for our sheriffs and police officers ensures that western Montana families and businesses have the public safety resources they need. I thank the local leaders and community members who worked with my office to secure this funding and make these projects a reality."
All together, Zinke delivered over $35 million in federal funding for Western Montana infrastructure and public safety projects. |