Legislators look for Northern biodiesel research funding

Legislators who support the $400,000 allocation to the biodiesel research center at Montana State University-Northern are more optimistic that the funding will win approval.

But supporters would not back off in the efforts to convince lawmakers, Sen. Kris Hansen, R-Havre, said Tuesday.

Hansen spoke to the weekly video conference that connects lawmakers in Helena with concerned residents at the Havre Public Schools' Robins Administration Building.

"I think it's going to be fine," Hansen told the audience. "But don't quit following it."

Hansen said it is unfortunate that the center, which does research into kinds of diesels and fuels, is called biodiesel. Much of the research doesn't involve diesel.

Some lawmakers are skittish of programs with a "bio" prefix, she said.

Instead, they should refer to the diesel center or the research center, she said.

"Urge people to vote for it," she said. "Don't just say bio, bio, bio. "It's kind of stupid," she added about the name emphasis, "but I think it's worth it."

The center does biodiesel research and other fuel-related testing that many hope will someday provide jobs to the area.

On other topics:

GUNS ON CAMPUS

Hansen and Rep. Stephanie Hess, R-Havre, said legislation passed by the state Senate last week would allow people to have guns on campus on a limited basis.

Hansen said it authorized the Board of Regents to review plans to allows guns on campus.

The bill passed the Senate by two votes and is headed to the House, they said.

"It is not a wide-open, Wild West guns on campus bill," Hansen said.

In response to a question from Hill County Commissioner Mike Wendland, Hansen said there is a bill that would allow guns to be carried into public buildings - such as the county courthouse. It has not been brought before either house yet, she said.

WATER COMPACT

In response to a question from former Havre City Councilman Donald Kaul, Hansen said she was not certain how she would vote on the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe Water Compact.

The tribe is the last of the Montana tribes to come to a deal with the state over water rights.