Missoula County supports HB 355, Appropriate funds for local government infrastructure projects, up for hearing at 8 a.m. tomorrow, March 24, in the Senate Finance and Claims Committee. Missoula County could use these infrastructure funds to make much needed improvements across the County, such as for the Lolo water and sewer systems. These systems, together, have $17 million worth of improvements that need to take place over the next 20 years. The County also has aging bridges and failing pavements that will need to be addressed, and the County would plan to use this funding as part of a match for federal transportation grants to improve this infrastructure. For example, the Missoula County and the City of Missoula received funding for transportation improvements on South Avenue, and the match for this will be nearly $3 million. Using these funds to help with this match would help the County build and maintain this critical piece of infrastructure.
Missoula County appreciates support for local infrastructure projects. These projects create a foundation so more housing can be supported and built, which will help address the housing crisis.
Missoula County opposes, as amended, HB 355, Appropriate funds for local government infrastructure projects, scheduled for second reading on the Senate floor today.
The amendments to this bill make counties ineligible for infrastructure funding. Fixing potholes and road conditions is one of the top concerns we consistently hear from our residents in all areas of Missoula County. The original form of this bill would have allowed for our Public Works department to address much needed improvements across the County like the Lolo water and sewer systems. These systems, together, have $17 million worth of improvements that need to take place over the next 20 years.
The County also has aging bridges and roads that need to be addressed in the coming years, and the County would have used funding in this bill as part of a match for federal transportation grants to improve this infrastructure.
Without the appropriations in this bill, it is possible that these projects would need to be delayed or the tax burden will shift to residents to carry the costs of these vital projects.
Senators Boldman, Morigeau and Salomon,
ReplyDeleteMissoula County supports HB 355, Appropriate funds for local government infrastructure projects, up for hearing at 8 a.m. tomorrow, March 24, in the Senate Finance and Claims Committee. Missoula County could use these infrastructure funds to make much needed improvements across the County, such as for the Lolo water and sewer systems. These systems, together, have $17 million worth of improvements that need to take place over the next 20 years. The County also has aging bridges and failing pavements that will need to be addressed, and the County would plan to use this funding as part of a match for federal transportation grants to improve this infrastructure. For example, the Missoula County and the City of Missoula received funding for transportation improvements on South Avenue, and the match for this will be nearly $3 million. Using these funds to help with this match would help the County build and maintain this critical piece of infrastructure.
Missoula County appreciates support for local infrastructure projects. These projects create a foundation so more housing can be supported and built, which will help address the housing crisis.
Please support HB 355.
Senators,
ReplyDeleteMissoula County opposes, as amended, HB 355, Appropriate funds for local government infrastructure projects, scheduled for second reading on the Senate floor today.
The amendments to this bill make counties ineligible for infrastructure funding. Fixing potholes and road conditions is one of the top concerns we consistently hear from our residents in all areas of Missoula County. The original form of this bill would have allowed for our Public Works department to address much needed improvements across the County like the Lolo water and sewer systems. These systems, together, have $17 million worth of improvements that need to take place over the next 20 years.
The County also has aging bridges and roads that need to be addressed in the coming years, and the County would have used funding in this bill as part of a match for federal transportation grants to improve this infrastructure.
Without the appropriations in this bill, it is possible that these projects would need to be delayed or the tax burden will shift to residents to carry the costs of these vital projects.
Please oppose HB 355.