Downing Announces House Passage of Community Project Funding for Montana Public Safety Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Troy Downing announced House passage of Community Project Funding for three Montana public safety and emergency response projects in the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture Appropriations Bill.

"Montana's first responders and law enforcement officers deserve the tools, facilities, and resources they need to protect our communities," said Congressman Downing. "These projects will strengthen emergency response, improve public safety, and support the men and women who serve Stillwater County, McCone County, and surrounding communities every day. I am proud to fight for these investments in rural Montana."

The Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Downing includes:

Columbus Fire Rescue, Stillwater County - $2,000,000
This funding supports renovations and modernization of the Columbus Rural Fire District #3 fire station. The project would expand sleeping quarters for resident, paid, and volunteer staff, improve firefighter safety by moving gear out of the apparatus bay and away from exhaust contamination, and renovate a nearby facility into administrative and training space. The upgraded facility would also be available for community use and serve as a backup emergency operations center for the county.

McCone County Courthouse Security System - $45,000
This funding supports the installation of security cameras and electronic access controls at the McCone County Courthouse. The system would allow the Sheriff and authorized users to monitor live camera feeds, review recorded footage, and better identify potential or active threats in and around the courthouse.

Stillwater County Law Enforcement and Emergency Operations Center - $800,000
This funding supports construction of a new law enforcement, emergency operations, and dispatch center in Stillwater County. The current facility, located in the historic courthouse, no longer meets the needs of the Sheriff's Office, dispatch staff, or the public. The new facility would include training space, evidence processing and storage, secure holding areas, four emergency dispatch stations, modern communications equipment, and 9-1-1 phone systems. It would also serve as Stillwater County's Emergency Operations Center during disasters, law enforcement incidents, and other emergencies.

Statements of Support:

Richard Cowger, Chief, Columbus Fire/Rescue, said:
"This project exemplifies responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Community Project Funding will allow Columbus Rural Fire District #3 to modernize existing facilities, preserve valuable public infrastructure, and improve emergency services without placing the full financial burden on local taxpayers. The result is a cost-effective investment that benefits both the residents of our district and taxpayers nationwide through improved public safety and long-term infrastructure sustainability. This program allows some of our local federal tax dollars to go back to work right here in our community! "

Alan Stempel, McCone County Commissioner, said:
"McCone County appreciates Congressman Downing's support of our application for a Courthouse Security project which will enable our county to address serious safety deficiencies identified by Sheriff Paul Skyberg and state inspectors. McCone County is unable to complete this project without federal assistance."

Steve Riveland, Stillwater County Commissioner, said:
"This funding is significant to the success of the project to provide a safe and much more secure working environment for our law enforcement, 9-1-1 operators and emergency operations. Stillwater County is very grateful for this funding. The Stillwater County Commissioners would like to thank Representative Downing and his staff for their hard and diligent work for the citizens of Stillwater County and the great State of Montana."

With House passage of the FY27 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, Congressman Downing will continue working to ensure these projects are signed into law.

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