State of Montana Newsroom
Gov. Gianforte Honors Veteran, Holds Town Hall on the Hi-Line
CHESTER, Mont. – Continuing his 56 County Tour, Governor Greg Gianforte today promoted broadband expansion and economic development on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and met with students, veterans, and residents in Glacier, Toole, and Liberty counties.
“Visiting with Montanans in their communities is the best way to hear their ideas, take their input back to Helena, and deliver them results,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It also provides me an opportunity to recognize outstanding Montanans who are doing great things, like folks on the Blackfeet Reservation working to close the digital divide and John Alstad, a veteran from Sunburst.”
Gov. and First Lady Gianforte recognize John A. Alstad with a 2021 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation
Beginning the day in Browning, the govrnor joined members of the Blackfeet Tribal Council to tour Siyeh Communications, which provides voice and broadband services to the Blackfeet Reservation. Last year, the governor made a historic $275 million investment in expanding access to reliable broadband and closing the digital divide through the ConnectMT Act.
“Deploying broadband to Indian Country and our rural communities is foundational for our new and evolving economy, whether it’s ag or high tech,” the governor said. “Our priority with expanding broadband access is directing investments toward underserved and unserved areas throughout Montana.”
Also in Browning, the governor visited Glacier Family Foods to discuss economic development and job creation on the reservation with the Tribal Council.
Gov. Gianforte greets an employee at Glacier Family Foods in Browning
In the afternoon, Gov. Gianforte met with Cut Bank High School students participating in the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Promoting apprenticeship opportunities and trades education to empower young Montanans with in-demand skills and develop Montana’s workforce is a top priority for the Gianforte administration.
Speaking to the benefit of CTE programs, Cut Bank Superintendent Wade Johnson said, “CTE programs are critical for students that want to go into skilled trades positions, where in a lot of cases, it’s more beneficial to learn something with your hands than to learn something in the classroom.”
Gov. Gianforte watches a demonstration by Cut Bank High School welding students
In Shelby, the governor honored John. A Alstad, a Vietnam veteran and recipient of the 2021 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, in a ceremony at the Montana Veteran’s Memorial Flag and Park. Alstad received a Purple Heart for his service in Vietnam, and was instrumental to creating the Montana Veteran’s Memorial Flag and Park in Shelby as a tribute to our Armed Forces.
The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recognizes outstanding Montana veterans who selflessly served our country in uniform and have since made a positive impact in their community. The full list of 2021 recipients can be found here.
Finally, the governor hosted a town hall meeting with residents in Chester discussing topics that included expanding trades education and increasing apprenticeship opportunities, creating greater opportunity for veterans, growing the local economy in Chester, and bringing Montanans that have moved away back to Liberty County. Participants also raised concerns about inflation and drought conditions.
The governor’s 56 County Tour continues tomorrow along the Hi-Line.
###