Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke announced that President Trump has signed H.R. 6938, the 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, which includes more than $8 million in federal funding for critical water infrastructure and law enforcement projects across Western Montana.
“These projects come directly from county commissioners and sheriffs who are on the front lines of their communities every day,” Zinke said. “They know what needs to be done to improve public safety and infrastructure, and these projects will make a real difference for the communities they serve.”
The funding will support water improvements in Missoula, Mineral, and Granite Counties, as well as law enforcement enhancements in Mineral, Lake, Beaverhead, Lincoln, Sanders, and Gallatin Counties.
Zinke’s Western Montana Community Funding Projects include:
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$1.75 million — Philipsburg Water Transmission Line Upgrade
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$1.75 million — Missoula County Water Well Upgrades
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$1 million — Alberton Water Storage Project
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$2.89 million — Five-County Law Enforcement Resiliency Project for sheriffs in Mineral, Lake, Beaverhead, Lincoln, and Sanders Counties (bulk vehicle and equipment purchases)
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$907,000 — Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office to expand Rapid DNA testing and add patrol SUVs
Zinke also highlighted other Montana priorities included in the legislation:
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$2.2 million — Reinstatement of the Native American Ironworker Training Program for Tribal members
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$2 million — Programs addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
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$63 million — Increase for the DEA to combat fentanyl and cartel activity
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Support for the Milk River Project, critical for irrigation and water reliability
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Language protecting Second Amendment rights by prohibiting funding for firearm import/export restrictions
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Full funding of the PILT program, which supports county services in federal land areas
“These federal dollars are making a real, tangible difference for Montanans,” Zinke said. “From ensuring clean, reliable water to supporting our sheriffs and law enforcement officers, these investments improve safety, opportunity, and quality of life in Western Montana.”
The 2026 appropriations bill represents Zinke’s continued focus as a senior member of both the Appropriations Committee and the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee to address Montana’s critical needs.