Montana

Engineers give Montana a 'C-' in new infrastructure analysis • Daily Montanan

Published

1 month ago

December 13, 2024

Engineers give Montana a 'C-' in new infrastructure analysis • Daily Montanan

A report released Wednesday by the Montana Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Montana’s infrastructure a “C-,” lower than the “C” grade it got on the same report in 2018, based primarily on a host of aging infrastructure across the large state and being underfunded to perform the upgrades needed on a quick timeline.

The 2024 Report Card for Montana’s Infrastructure showed two categories of infrastructure – drinking water and schools – saw improvements from the 2018 report, though schools still received a “D” grade. Three other categories – bridges, energy, and solid waste – received downgrades.

The report said that $8 billion in federal revenue – primarily the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and 2022 Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Joe Biden – along with $2 billion in private funding and some efforts by the state to fund infrastructure improvements have made a dent in needed upgrades, but likely billions of dollars more would be necessary to get Montana’s infrastructure in a better place.

“We face significant challenges given how spread out our state is and how many environmental threats we encounter across our diverse geography, with minimal revenue sources to pull from due to our small population,” Lexi Leffler, the chair of the 2024 Report Card, said in a statement. “However, Montana’s engineers, agencies or departments, and leadership continue to work to provide an infrastructure network that keeps our residents safe and economy thriving.”

The report recommends the state work to establish dedicated, long-term funding for critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and dams, saying inconsistent funding has created a backlog of deferred maintenance. It also recommends Montana grow its workforce and educational programs to help bolster the number of workers needed to address the upgrades, and says the state should prioritize climate resilience when deciding which infrastructure to upgrade when, and in what manner that will occur.

“Montana’s diverse geography and extreme weather risks require robust strategies to enhance resilience,” the report says. “Investing in infrastructure capable of withstanding severe conditions, such as improved stormwater systems and wildfire-resistant designs, enhances resiliency and safeguards communities.”

Gov. Greg Gianforte speaking to public access and infrastructure upgrade opportunities in the Lower Yellowstone River Corridor in June 2021 (Photo courtesy of the Montana Office of the Governor).

The American Society of Civil Engineers also does a report card for U.S. infrastructure every four years. The last report, issued in 2021, gave the United States a “C-” as well. The next nationwide report will be released next March.

Along with a backlog in many of the categories, the report says Montana needs to look at the future when addressing new construction or fixing and upgrading old infrastructure.

“Montana’s infrastructure must also adapt to risk for extreme weather events, public health imperatives such as removing lead water lines, and new environmental challenges such as ‘forever chemicals’ in water supplies,” the report says.

It also says that funding has lagged for years in Montana and suggests some large increases in money need to go toward addressing certain categories of infrastructure before they fail altogether.

That includes an estimated $4.4 billion over the next decade for bridges, when current funding is anticipated to be around $535 million. The report says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency forecasts Montana needs about $2.3 billion to address drinking water infrastructure treatment and storage, while it says Montana had been putting around $170 million toward those projects until the recent boost in federal funding upped that to about $250 million a year.

The report says for roads, needs currently outpace revenue by a 3-to-1 ratio, which it says is “jeopardizing the future of Montana’s transportation system.” There are 13,000 miles of state highway and interstates in Montana and more than 63,000 miles of county, municipal and tribal roads.

The report suggests that ensuring a future with good roads in Montana would require increased funding from all levels of government, more preventative maintenance, and more advanced construction technology than is currently being used.

“Without decisive action, the state risks jeopardizing public safety, economic growth, and quality of life,” the report says.

It also said the EPA believes Montana needs about $347 million in wastewater improvements and another $22 million to upgrade the state’s stormwater infrastructure.

Schools and stormwater infrastructure got the worst grades of the 14 categories the report looked at, with a “D” for each. The report says 68% of Montana’s 826 K-12 schools were built before 1970 and that the state’s school maintenance fund had seen falling revenue in the past 14 years.

That has created a backlog for repairs and more modern and energy-efficient upgrades, and compounded with increasing energy costs and declining student enrollment, budgets are tight, according to the report, and schools also need to provide a quality learning environment for their children and may choose that route over funding infrastructure upgrades.

“Addressing these issues requires sustained investment and innovative solutions to modernize facilities and support the long-term success of Montana’s education system,” the report says.

The EPA in October announced a 10-year, $25 million investment in Montana to replace the state’s lead water pipes, including at schools, though the number of them across the state is currently unknown, a state official said at the time.

A Montana Rail Link train derailed on Twin Bridge east of Reed Point on the morning of Saturday, June 24, 2023. (Photo courtesy Montana FWP)

Stormwater infrastructure received a “D” in part because Montana is so rural and many of those smaller municipalities cannot fund upgrades. The effects of agricultural runoff, which the report says “remains largely unregulated,” poses the largest threat to contamination of stormwater systems and costs to mitigate that contamination could mean even more money is required than estimated by the EPA, according to the report.

Bridges remain a concern, according to the report’s authors, despite $45 million in federal dollars under the Biden administration going toward Montana’s bridges. The 5,200 bridges in Montana are on average at least 50 years old, and about 15% need immediate repairs. Further, the number of load-posted or closed bridges is growing 10% to 20% each year, the report says.

One of the governor’s proposals for the upcoming budget is to put $10 million a year over five years toward fixing 500 bridges across the state.

The category that got the best grade, a “C+,” was Montana’s rail system. Since about 70% of Montana’s rail track is owned by freight operators, the report says its rail lines play a crucial part of the state and national economy.

But it also says that aging infrastructure, a lack of needed safety guidelines, and vulnerability to climatological events like floods, fires and landslides create “significant” challenges moving forward.

“Federal funding and innovative technologies offer opportunities for modernization, but targeted investment and coordinated planning are essential to meet current and future demands,” the report says.

The report calls Montana’s mix of energy infrastructure “diverse” and says it is fourth in the U.S. for per capita energy consumption, due in part to the cold winters, long drive times, and energy production industries. It also exports about 40% of the power generated here.

But the report says Montana will face increasing energy demands as its population grows and that it needs to modernize its energy grid to include more renewable energy. It recommends Montana seek more federal and private funding to do so.

For the first time, the report looked into Montana’s broadband, which received $275 million in federal dollars from the Legislature in 2021, and which Gov. Greg Gianforte and the state broadband office have been working to make accessible across the state by 2030.

It says Montana still lags behind the rest of the country in terms of the share of its citizens who have access to internet speeds of 100 megabits per second, with about 71% of Montanans having those internet speeds at minimum compared to a national average of 93%.

The report, which was put together by more than 20 infrastructure and engineering professionals, recommends that lawmakers, the executive branch, private interests, and citizens work toward increasing funding some of the infrastructure needs to build what it calls a resilient and sustainable future.

“Addressing these critical infrastructure needs will enhance public safety, boost economic resilience, and improve the quality of life across Big Sky Country,” the report says.

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Montana AG Network: Adaptive equipment for hunters with disabilities

Published

8 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

Montana AG Network: Adaptive equipment for hunters with disabilities

BOZEMAN — In the snowy Bridger mountains, you’ll find Robert Enigl, a man who’s always on the move.

In his lifetime, Enigl has developed quite a lengthy resume, including participating in the2022 Beijing Paralympics, social media influencing, and outdoor recreation.

Mack Carmack, MTN News

Robert Enigl

Enigl loves to fish, ski, hunt, and anything else related to the outdoors.

On his property outside of Bozeman, he runs a strawberry farm and a golden retriever dog breeding business.

With an already successful resume, it’s even more impressive when you learn about the accident that literally turned his life upside down.

“I remember the front flip felt like slow motion. I remember rolling three and a half, four times, and I remember on the last roll I was holding the ceiling seeing dirt, sky, dirt, sky,” he said.

About 11 years ago, Enigl and his best friend Ben were in a traumatic car accident after hunting in the Gallatin Canyon.

“They said they were getting a helicopter, and I’m like, ‘Oh good, for my buddy,’ and they said, ‘No, the helicopter is for you.’ That’s when I realized I was pretty screwed up at the time,” he said.

Robert Enigl's hospital photo — Robert Enigl’s hospital photo

Enigl suffered a spinal cord injury, partially paralyzing him from the waist down.

Instead of neglecting his passion for skiing, hunting, and fishing, Enigl adapted, as painful and frustrating as it was.

“At the end of the day, you can’t look at (paralysis) as ‘My life’s over.’ You got to learn how to adapt. And I think ‘adapt’ is probably the best way to describe someone in a wheelchair,” he said.

Now, Enigl happily lives on his farm with his wife and two children. He’s still pursuing his hobbies, in part, thanks to the Cutting Fences Foundation.

The non-profit organization, founded by Kendra Lewis, helps provide adaptive equipment to hunters, ranchers, and farmers with disabilities.

“That $20,000 off-road hunting vehicle, I wouldn’t ever have access to it,” said Enigl.

“There aren’t many organizations that specifically target farmers and ranchers with disabilities and try to meet their needs. So that’s where it all started,” Lewis said.

Lewis started the organization during the occupational therapy doctoral capstone.

For her project, she began a 10-episode podcast that featured members of the community impacted by their disabilities. The podcast is where Lewis met Enigl.

She then turned her project into a non-profit organization a year later, eventually providing adaptive equipment for hundreds of people.

“It was a moment to share hope for individuals and kind of create a network of resiliency as well,” Lewis said.

“I feel like I get to do more cool stuff now than I ever got to do before I got paralyzed,” Enigl said.

Enigl was able to adapt and do many “cool” things because of the foundation, and help from a friend.

“One powerful chair, one manual chair doesn’t always do the trick for living a full and functional life,” Lewis said.

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Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 11, 2025

Published

18 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 11, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 11 drawing

03-06-32-37-65, Powerball: 04, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 11 drawing

21-22-26-27-48, Lucky Ball: 12

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 11 drawing

07-10-16-47-52, Star Ball: 01, ASB: 05

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 11 drawing

02-07-16-21, Bonus: 03

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 11 drawing

22-24-25-44-53, Powerball: 20

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Montana Cash numbers from Jan. 11 drawing

04-08-13-14-18

Check Montana Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9:00 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9:00 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8:00 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Outrageous reason Montana woman is being forced to send her three-year-old daughter back to brutal war zone

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

Outrageous reason Montana woman is being forced to send her three-year-old daughter back to brutal war zone

A Ukrainian mother taking refuge in Montana is being forced to send her toddler daughter back to the war-ridden country.

Zhanna Kulahina, 26, and her three-year-old, Maria evacuated to Bozeman through the United for Ukraine program in August 2023.

‘We lived a happy life, and unfortunately, the war changed everything. Every night when we heard bomb and yes, we tried to be in a bomb shelter or basement, wherever I can find a safe place for Maria,’ she told KBZK.

‘Maybe we can be a victim of this war.’

Since then, the single mother has been working as a dental technician, volunteering at Bozeman Health and studying to become accredited to practice dentistry in the US while Maria attends preschool.

However, Zhanna’s ex-husband who lives in their home country filed a lawsuit against her, claiming that she had kidnapped Maria.

After months of a legal battle, the United States District Court Judge Donald Molloy ruled Maria should return to her father in Ukraine two days before Christmas.

‘If she returned to Ukraine, she could die there. It’s a really terrible situation because it’s my child, it’s my baby.

Zhanna Kulahina, 26, and her three-year-old, Maria evacuated to Bozeman through the United for Ukraine program in August 2023

However, Zhanna’s ex-husband who lives in their home country filed a lawsuit against her – claiming that she had kidnapped Maria

‘If she returned to Ukraine, she could die there. It’s a really terrible situation because it’s my child, it’s my baby,’ Zhanna said

‘We are in a safe place now; how do we return to Ukraine where so many children and babies die? I can’t imagine how it’s possible,’ Zhanna told KTVH.

According to the court order, Maria will need to return to Ukraine by February 3.

Neighbors have quickly banded together to help the mother and daughter with legal costs and provide emotional support.

A GoFundMe was launched soon after the lawsuit began to provide aid for the pair.

‘Zhanna was peacefully rebuilding a life for herself and her daughter until this past August, when she was unexpectedly served with a lawsuit brought by her ex-husband (who continues to reside in Ukraine) which claims that Zhanna abducted their child,’ the description reads.

‘The ex-husband’s case, which was filed in federal district court, suggests that Zhanna illegally removed their daughter from her country of habitual residence and required that she return to Ukraine — regardless of the grave risk of such a move.

‘The federal judge in this case was aware that the ex-husband willingly escorted Zhanna and her daughter to the train station in their hometown of Odesa two years ago so that they could flee to neighboring Moldova.

‘The judge also knows that, on average, Odesa gets hit with a missile, drone strike, or bomb every sixth day, and he knows that air raid sirens go off no less than once every three days in the other cities.

After months of a legal battle, the United States District Court Judge Donald Molloy ruled Maria should return to her father in Ukraine two days before Christmas

Neighbors have quickly banded together to help the mother and daughter with legal costs and provide emotional support

‘A return to an existence that is defined by fear of air raid sirens and explosions would be deeply damaging for both Zhanna and her child. It’s unfathomable.

‘It is our understanding that the ex-husband has hired an attorney pro bono to represent him. Because the case involves a complicated international human rights dispute in federal court, dozens of expert witnesses, multiple translators and two local lawyers, it will be a financially costly one, to say nothing of the emotional toll it will surely take on Zhanna and her daughter.’

As of now, the crowdfunding page has raised $645 toward its $14,000 goal. About $34,000 has already been raised by friends for the duo.

It remains unclear if Zhanna will try to have the decision appealed.

On Friday, President-elect Donald Trump announced he has pushed back his deadline for ending the Russia-Ukraine war despite having vowed to end the conflict within ’24 hours’ of becoming president.

The US president-elect now aims to end the war against Ukraine within 100 days of his inauguration, Keith Kellogg, Trump’s choice for special Ukraine peace envoy, told Fox News on Wednesday.

‘This is a war that needs to end, and I think he can do it in the near term,’ Kellogg, 80, added, defining ‘near term’ as just over 14 weeks out from inauguration.

The comments come after Trump revealed in a press conference that he would not launch peace talks until after he takes office on January 20.

According to the court order, Maria will need to return to Ukraine by February 3

This is despite having repeatedly pledged during his campaign to end the war as soon as he was elected.

‘People need to understand, he’s not trying to give something to Putin or to the Russians, he’s actually trying to save Ukraine and save their sovereignty,’ Kellogg said.

‘And he’s going to make sure that it’s equitable and it’s fair’.

The US diplomat praised the president-elect for his willingness to meet with Vladimir Putin and said the outgoing president Joe Biden’s ‘biggest mistake’ was his refusal to work with the Russian President.

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