WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today commended the United States Forest Service for their full approval of the long-overdue Montanore Project, while expressing his disappointment in Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s (MDEQ) partial approval of the project. The Montanore Project will create much-needed jobs and economic opportunity in Lincoln County.
“The Forest Service’s long-overdue approval is welcome news for Lincoln County and an important step forward in getting this job-creating project across the finish line,” Daines stated. “The Montanore Project will create hundreds of much-needed jobs and provide significant economic benefits and tax revenue to communities across northwestern Montana. I am disappointed that Governor Bullock and Montana DEQ have only issued a phased approval of the Montanore project and urge them to work with stakeholders towards a full approval so that this job-creating project can move forward without further delay.”
Last month, after more than a decade, the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Montanore project was recently completed, clearing the way for the U.S. Forest Service and MDEQ to issue Records of Decision approving of Montanore’s plan of operations and required permits. At that time, Daines joined Representative Ryan Zinke in calling on Governor Steve Bullock and the MDEQ to expeditiously issue full approval for the Montanore Project.
Daines’ and Zinke’s efforts to approve the Montanore Project were applauded across Montana:
Lincoln County Commissioners: “This is a major milestone and a dose of much needed positive news for the citizens of Lincoln County and our future economic viability. We hope the exhaustive analysis will ensure long term viability of the project against the anticipated opposition from the radical environmental groups. We want to share our deep appreciation to the steadfast support of Senator Daines and Congressman Zinke throughout these critical past years in moving this project forward.”
Montanore Positive Action Committee: “The members of MPAC and the citizens of Libby would like to thank Senator Daines and Congressman Zinke for their direct and constant support of the Montanore mine project. Their dedication to helping move this project through the re-permitting process is exemplary. Thank you for helping bring family wage jobs to our community.”
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