Congressman Zinke Delivers Over $11.1 Million in Federal Funding for Water Infrastructure and Law Enforcement in Gallatin, Beaverhead, and Missoula Counties

SEELEY LAKE, MT - Today, Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke traveled to Bozeman and Seeley Lake to deliver ceremonial checks celebrating more than $11.1 million in federal funding for critical water infrastructure and law enforcement projects in Missoula, Gallatin, and Beaverhead Counties. The funding is part of the over $35 million he secured in fiscal year 2026 as a part of the appropriations process.

"Clean water and strong law enforcement, these investments are about keeping our communities safe, healthy, and prepared for the future," said Rep. Zinke. "Upgrading water systems in Seeley Lake is essential to solving the affordable housing problem that caused the closure of Pyramid Lumber two years ago. And both Beaverhead and Gallatin County are dealing with rapid growth and the increase in need for law enforcement presence that comes with it. Providing new technology and vehicles for our sheriffs and police officers ensures that western Montana families and businesses have the public safety resources they need. I thank the local leaders and community members who worked with my office to secure this funding and make these projects a reality."

The day began in Bozeman, where Zinke delivered $907,000 to the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office for the purchase of Rapid DNA technology and new patrol vehicles for the Belgrade City Police. He also presented $200,000 to the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Department for new police vehicles.

"We work hard to build relationships with our federal, state and local partners," said Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer. "The Rapid DNA analysis equipment will benefit the entire region in locating unknown suspects who commit felony crimes. If we can compress the timeframe from collecting evidence to identifying a suspect it allows our investigators more of an opportunity to catch up to the criminal before they commit another crime or destroy evidence. If a suspect's DNA is already in the system, we will be able to match evidence found at a scene to that individual within 90 minutes rather than hours, days, or months."

Congressman Zinke then traveled to Seeley Lake, delivering a $10,000,000 check for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant to improve the reliability and capacity of the town's sewer system.

"On behalf of the Seeley Lake Sewer Board, I want to thank Congressman Zinke for helping secure this funding for our community," said Seeley Lake Sewer District President Tom Morris. "Reliable wastewater infrastructure is critical for Seeley Lake's future. The lack of sewer capacity has made it harder to build affordable housing, which means fewer places for the workers our local economy depends on. The closure of Pyramid Lumber was in part because the infrastructure simply wasn't there to support growth. This funding is an important step toward fixing that problem and helping Seeley Lake move forward."

Zinke was joined throughout the day by local officials and community leaders including Seeley Lake Sewer District President Tom Morris and board members, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer, Belgrade Chief Dustin Lensing, deputies and city police personnel, and Beaverhead County Sheriff David Wendt.

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