The House Appropriations Committee took a significant step forward by passing the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025 out of Full Committee Markup. This legislation includes substantial provisions aimed at addressing critical infrastructure needs and housing challenges in Western Montana.
Among the key components of the bill is over $20 million allocated for infrastructure projects across Western Montana. These projects are crucial for enhancing community development and addressing long-standing infrastructure deficiencies. Additionally, the bill includes legislative measures to rectify a loophole in rental housing assistance grants that has disproportionately affected Montanans, costing them millions of dollars.
One notable initiative within the bill is a proposed pilot program championed by Congressman Zinke to tackle escalating rental costs in rural communities. This program, earmarked with $7 million from HUD’s Community Development “Pro-Housing” account, aims to conduct research and propose effective solutions to combat the rapid rise in rental rates. This problem has been exacerbated in Western Montana due to factors such as seasonal tourism influxes and insufficient housing infrastructure.
Addressing the pressing housing crisis, Congressman Zinke emphasized the urgency of the situation: “The housing crisis is real, and Montanans who are already struggling with paying for basic needs can’t keep up.” He highlighted bureaucratic challenges that have led to funds being rescinded from Montana Housing Authorities during non-peak months, leaving the state vulnerable to housing shortages.
Moreover, the bill includes eight Community Project Funding requests totaling more than $20 million specifically allocated for Montana communities. These requests cover essential projects such as wastewater treatment plant upgrades, road repairs, and infrastructure enhancements critical for local development and public safety.
Rep. Zinke’s Community Project Funding requests include:
– $10,000,000 for Seeley Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant
– $5,000,000 for Ravalli County Wastewater Treatment Plant
– $820,318 for Rural Airport Reconstruction and Emergency Services Expansion
– $977,500 for Repaving Marten Creek Road
– $1,000,000 for Flathead County North Fork Road Guardrails
– $1,000,000 for Groff Lane Bridge Replacement
– $1,000,000 for Old Corvallis Road Repair
– $700,000 for Troy Library and Opportunity Center
These funding allocations are now slated for consideration on the House floor, with subsequent steps including approval in a joint funding package by both the House and Senate, followed by the President’s signature.
The passage of this appropriations bill marks a critical advancement in addressing infrastructure and housing needs in Montana, reflecting a concerted effort to support local communities and stimulate economic growth.