Daines Secures Provisions to Improve Montana’s Energy Future
U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today secured important provisions that improve the future of Montana energy. “Made-in-Montana energy means good-paying Montana jobs,” Daines stated. “Through provisions I’ve secured, Montana can lead the world in developing energy resources that will power not only our state, but the country and the world.” Daines successfully included many important provisions for Montana energy and water projects in the FY 2017 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill to fund the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) programs and critical infrastructure projects administered by the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation. The bill was marked up and
Military Times: Senators move to give veterans access to medical marijuana
The Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday passed an amendment that would let Veterans Affairs doctors discuss and recommend marijuana as a potential medical treatment in states where it is legal. An addition to the fiscal 2017 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies appropriations bill, the bipartisan amendment sponsored by Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, and Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, would let VA doctors discuss marijuana as a potential medical treatment, similar to the allowances given civilian physicians in medical marijuana states. The move marks the second time senators have tried to improve access to medical marijuana for veterans who are treated
Daines Announces over $4.6 Million in Critical Funding for Ten Montana Community Airports
U.S. SENATE – Senator Steve Daines today announced that ten Montana community airports will receive $4,661,676 for critical construction and maintenance projects. Grants will be awarded to airports in Billings, Broadus, Circle, Forsyth, Hardin, Livingston, Malta, Ronan, Shelby and Wolf Point. “Community airports across Montana provide critical transportation services to Montana’s rural communities,” Daines stated. “These grants will ensure that Montana’s smaller airports are able to meet rising ridership demands, ensure safe and reliable service for their passengers and meet the long-term economic needs of the communities they serve.” Grants awarded today by the Federal Aviation Administration include: Billings Logan International Airport: $400,000 to
Billings Gazette: FAA sending $2 million for Billings airport improvements
Billings Logan International Airport will receive almost $2 million for infrastructure improvements, Montana Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester announced Wednesday. The funding is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program. A news release from the senators’ offices says the money will be spent on extending taxiways and improving the airport’s drainage system. “The AIP grants allow for enhancing safety and continuing the expansion of the Billings airport, and we are grateful to have these needed funds,” said Kevin Ploehn, the city’s director of aviation and transit. Ploehn said the projects being funded include the extension of the
KTVQ Billings: Billings Logan International, rural airports see boost in funding
BILLINGS – Billings Logan International Airport will see a considerable boost in funding. Sen. Steve Daines and Sen. Jon Tester announced the airport will received $2 million in funding for infrastructure improvements. The funding is part of 10 Montana community airports set to receive $4,661,676 for critical construction and maintenance projects. Grants will be awarded to airports in Billings, Broadus, Circle, Forsyth, Hardin, Livingston, Malta, Ronan, Shelby and Wolf Point. “Community airports across Montana provide critical transportation services to Montana’s rural communities,” Daines stated. “These grants will ensure that Montana’s smaller airports are able to meet rising ridership demands, ensure safe and reliable service for
The Hill: Montana lawmakers want answers from Air Force on firefighting systems
An Air National Guard decision to relocate military firefighting systems from North Carolina to Nevada instead of Montana has rankled lawmakers from the Treasure State. Both Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) have sent letters to Air Force officials asking why the modular airborne fire fighting systems, or MAFFS, were sent to Reno, Nevada, when Montana and surrounding states suffer from more wildfires. “I am incredibly disappointed with this decision as it denies a vital wildland fire suppression mission to the State of Montana, where almost three times as many wildland fires occurred last year compared to Nevada,” Daines,
Great Falls Tribune: Daines bill taps into small-craft breweries
Sen. Steve Daines announced Tuesday two efforts to promote the growth of small-craft breweries. The Montana Republican sponsored Senate Bill 1562, the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which reduces the excise taxes on beer, wine and distilled spirits. Also, Daines recently joined the bipartisan Senate Small Brewers Caucus, established in June 2011. It provides a forum for senators and their staffs to discuss issues important to small brewers. He said small-craft breweries are a growing industry in Montana that has a significant impact on the state’s economy. “Montana is home to a vibrant craft brewing industry that supports
Daines Supports Montana’s Brewers Efforts
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today announced two new efforts to promote the growth of small craft breweries, a growing industry in Montana that has a significant impact on the state’s economy. Daines sponsored, S. 1562, the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which reduces the excise taxes on beer, wine, and distilled spirits. Daines recently joined the bipartisan Senate Small Brewers Caucus, established in June 2011, to “provide a forum for members of the Senate and their staffs to discuss the issues important to small brewers while exploring what lawmakers can do to strengthen the growth and role of
Missoulian: Relocation of wildfire aircraft equipment draws criticism from Daines
GREAT FALLS (AP) – The U.S. Air Force is being criticized for a proposal to relocate military air tanker equipment used to fight wildfires to Nevada instead of Montana after officials from Montana said the planes and the support teams in Montana would be closer to bigger fires in several Western states. U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., sent a letter to the Air Force asking why Nevada was chosen for the Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems, which includes equipment that can be installed in C-130 cargo plans to drop retardant on wildfires. The system can be used by governors where the Air