Montana congressional delegation calls on federal govt. to fund St. Mary siphon repairs

Montana’s congressional delegation sent a letter to the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation calling on the agencies to provide funding for the St. Mary siphons.

The letter calls for authorization of federal funds to replace the siphons that failed on June 17.

Water from the canal helps to support over 120,000 acres of farmland and 18,000 municipal users.

The letter says without immediate replacement of the siphons, the region faces severe economic and environmental impacts.

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Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke introduces bipartisan wildlife connectivity bill

A Montana congressman introduced a bill to help fund efforts to help wildlife safely move across landscapes.

The Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act is sponsored by Montana Republican Congressman Ryan Zinke, along with Democratic Virginia Congressman Don Beyer.

The bill would fund ongoing efforts by state, federal and tribal agencies to reduce wildlife collisions, and help connect isolated patches of open lands. It would help fund existing projects like building wildlife crossings, habitat restoration efforts, and research into preserving migration routes.

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Former Navy SEAL Ryan Zinke wins GOP Montana primary

Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., has won the Republican primary against Mary Todd in the race to hold onto his Big Sky State seat in Montana’s 1st Congressional District.

Zinke served as Secretary of the Interior under former President Trump for several years before launching a successful bid for Montana’s newly drawn district in the 2022 midterms.

Zinke won the 2022 midterm race against Democratic opponent Monica Tranel, who is running again for the seat in 2024 despite her loss last cycle.

The former Navy SEAL is a fifth-generation Montanan, serving 23 years in the military before entering politics to complete another mission of “upholding the Constitution and doing what is right for Montana and America.”

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Ryan Zinke wins Montana Republican U.S. House District 1 Primary

MISSOULA — Incumbent U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke has been called as the winner in the Republican primary for Montana U.S. House District 1 by Decision Desk.

Zinke fended off a primary challenge from Mary Todd, a Kalispell business owner and a pastor at Purpose Church Kalispell.

Zinke served in the Montana Senate from 2009 to 2013 and in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2015 to 2017. He also served as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2019.

The Democrat competing against Zinke will be Monica Tranel of Missoula, who ran unopposed in the primary.

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Zinke touts legislation to help first responders, teachers obtain home loans

BOZEMAN — As housing prices continue to hit record highs here across the valley and across western Montana, buying a home is becoming more unattainable for people who live and work here.

U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke has co-sponsored legislation that would make it easier for first responders to buy a home.

“With anybody who’s relocating to Bozeman right now, you know, finding housing is a challenge,” says Bozeman Fire Chief Josh Waldo.

Waldo has seen first-hand how far some of his firefighters commute to work.

“People figure in that commute. If I have to drive, you know, an hour one way or 45 minutes one way is coming in to do a three-to-four-hour coverage,” says Waldo.

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Zinke spars with EPA director, Tester asks for Colstrip clemency

New federal limits on mercury and air toxics emissions are expected to increase NorthWestern Energy power bills by $1,000 annually, U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke said Tuesday, chastising EPA for the tougher limits.

Western Montana’s Republican representative grilled EPA Administrator Michael Regan about the tighter pollution controls in a budget hearing Tuesday. Zinke’s staff later sourced the consumer costs to NorthWestern Energy.

“You’re aware that energy costs will go up by $1,000 a family. So you add $28,000, what the Bidenomics cost, and then another $1,000 a year. So where are you going to get the power when you take that offline,” Zinke said.

Wednesday in the Senate Appropriations, Montana Democrat Jon Tester asked Regan if the MATS rule could be delayed until 2032.

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Former Pres. Trump endorses Zinke for re-election in Montana’s District 1 congressional race

WHITEFISH, Mont. – Former President Donald Trump is endorsing Rep. Ryan Zinke Friday for his re-election in Montana’s District 1 congressional race.

Trump posted to Truth Social, “Congressman Ryan Zinke is doing a terrific job representing the incredible people of Montana’s 1st Congressional District. During my Administration, Ryan and I worked together to Achieve Energy Independence, Increase Federal Energy Revenues, and to Build Energy Production. In Congress, Ryan is fighting hard to Secure the Border, Stop Illegal Immigration, Grow the Economy, and Protect and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Ryan served our Country with Distinction as a U.S. Navy SEAL, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election!”

“I’m honored to have former and future President Donald J. Trump’s endorsement and look forward to working with him to Make America Great Again!” Zinke said in a release from his campaign.

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