KPAX: Federal grant to help CSKT public transit, road work projects
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes is receiving a $300,000 grant to upgrade public transit services. Montana U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced a total of more than $700,000 in transit funding for three Montana Tribes on Wednesday. CSKT gets $300,000, the Fort Belknap Indian Community will receive $220,000 while the Crow Tribe has been granted $193,731. Jim Skinner with the Montana Department of Transportation says Flathead hasn’t seen this type of funding in over a decade. He also believes that the federal money will support 11,000 jobs across the state. “It’s going to provide stability for our program. It’ll allow us to make a
Ravalli Republic: Local ISPs discuss Internet access with Sen. Daines
Last year, Ravalli County’s state legislative delegation got an earful from people concerned about low-quality Internet services in the Bitterroot Valley. Local businessmen and the county’s economic development coordinator told the politicians that a lack of Internet access and high costs were creating challenges for local entrepreneurs. The delegation tasked Sen. Fred Thomas, R-Stevensville, and Rep. Ed Greef, R-Florence, to find out why. “We’ve come a long way in learning about Internet in Ravalli County since then,” Thomas said. “We found out that we have phenomenal service right here with our own local providers.” On Wednesday, Thomas, representatives from two
News Talk KGVO: Sen. Steve Daines Pushes to Protect American Energy Security
Today Sen. Steve Daines spoke out about American energy independence as a key role in winning the war on terrorism. Daines said in addition, we also need to strengthen American security both at home and abroad. “Our national security, protecting our families from terrible acts of terrorism, I can tell you is on the mind of Montanans’ minds every day as I travel around the state,” Daines said. “It’s telling us today how important American energy independence and security is to our safety and prosperity, as well as the entire worlds.” Daines said removing oil as the primary source of
Daines Announces over $700,000 in Funding for Tribal Transportation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today announced more than $700,000 in funding for tribal public transit services for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the Crow Tribe. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides approximately $5 million competitive grant funding through the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program) for FY14/15 to support planning, capital, and, in limited circumstances, operating assistance for tribal public transit services. Three Montana tribes were selected for these competitive grants, totaling: $300,000 for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes $220,000 for the Fort Belknap Indian Community $193,731 for
Daines’ Bill to Reauthorize PHMSA Passes Senate Commerce Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today applauded the overwhelming bipartisan passage of his legislation to help ensure the safety of America’s pipeline network. The bipartisan SAFE PIPES Act passed out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee this morning. The bill would reauthorize Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) from Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 through FY 2019. “The SAFE PIPES Act is an important step forward to improve the protection of pipeline river crossings, fill vacant inspector positions and facilitate communication between PHMSA and state agencies,” Daines stated. “This is a strong, bipartisan bill that will enhance pipeline safety, promote economic
Daines’ Bill to Protect Pilots Passes Senate Commerce Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today hailed the bipartisan passage of his measure to protect and expand protections for Montana pilots. Daines’ bill, S. 571 the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR 2) passed the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee today on a large bipartisan vote. It increases protections for recreational and volunteer pilots by expanding the 3rd class medical exemption for recreational pilots and broadening the protections provided in the original Pilot’s Bill of Rights signed into law in 2012. “I am proud to see the Committee rally around bipartisan legislation that prioritizes our robust aviation industry and
Billings Gazette: Montanans don’t want more gun laws, think Obamacare bad for the state, poll finds
Guns, pot, Obamacare, the governor and all of Montana’s Congressional delegation. Those were some of the topics covered by the Montana State University Billings’ 29th Montana Poll, which was released Monday. Nearly two-thirds of Montanans surveyed said gun laws are about right. Seventeen percent said gun laws were not strict enough, while 13 percent felt they were too strict. Liberals and Democrats were significantly more likely than conservatives and independents to answer that gun laws should be stricter. Older respondents polled were found to be significantly less likely to support stricter gun laws in Montana. The poll, conducted by students
KULR8: Montana high school students nominated for military academies
Rep. Ryan Zinke and Sen. Steve Daines collectively nominate 28 Montana high school students to attend America’s military service academies. Four students were nominated in our area. Ethan Peterson and Ryan Morgan were nominated from Big Timber. Maren Kirkland from Billings and Ryland Stampfel from Absarokee were also on the list. In order to be accepted to one of the nation’s five service academies, high school applicants are required to earn nominations from their congressional delegation. Nominees were selected after an extensive interview process conducted by each congressman. In addition to the nomination, applicants must also have an exemplary academic
KMMS: Daines to Lead Montana Energy 2016
Senator Steve Daines announced that he will be spearheading Montana Energy 2016 in Billings this upcoming spring. The summit, sponsored by Daines, the Montana Contractors’ Association, the Montana Coal Council, the Montana Petroleum Association, the Montana Chamber Foundation and KLJ, will take place in Billings, Montana on March 30 and 31, 2016. “Montana holds a vital role in securing our nation’s all-of-the-above energy strategy and it’s vital that we work together to ensure our state remains an energy leader for years to come,” Daines stated. “Montana Energy 2016 will bring together key stakeholders to help increase innovation and move Montana’s