Governor Gianforte, Rep. Sprunger Highlight $100 Million Infrastructure Investment

Visit Kalispell road project funded by SAFER Act

• October 22 2024

KALISPELL, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte and Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, today visited a Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) road project to highlight the governor’s historic $100 million investment in roads and bridges through the Securing Access to Federal Expenditures to Repair (SAFER) Montana Roads and Bridges Act.

“For too long, Montana left money on the table that could be used to help us repair our infrastructure,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This spring, I was proud to sign the SAFER Act to invest $100 million and leverage every available dollar to fix our roads and bridges. This project is the first of many to benefit from our historic investment to build a stronger future."

Gov. Gianforte speaking during a press conference in Kalispell with MDT Deputy Director Larry Flynn (left) and Rep. Sprunger (middle)

During the 2023 legislative session, Rep. Sprunger carried House Bill 267 which the governor signed into law to establish the SAFER Act. As it was introduced in the governor’s Budget for Montana Families, the act leverages up to nine federal dollars for every one state dollar and invests $100 million to repair Montana’s roads and bridges.

Holding a press conference at the Hutton Ranch Road to Whitefish Stage Road construction project, the governor said MDT allocated $1.44 million from the SAFER Fund to match federal dollars allocated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant for the project.

“The SAFER Act leverages federal match dollars to get more roadwork done so Montanans can get where they need to go safely and efficiently,” said Rep. Sprunger. “It’s a big step in the right direction toward reducing Montana’s growing backlog of critical infrastructure improvement projects.” 

“Enhancing safety for all travelers is important to us,” said MDT Director Chris Dorrington. “The Reserve Drive: Hutton Ranch Road to Whitefish Stage Road project will widen the existing roadway and improve connectivity through the area. SAFER funds will help in delivering essential projects, like this one, to Montana communities in the years to come.”

More information about the Kalispell road project can be found here.

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