Governor signs Tuss' first bill into law

Press release

HELENA - Representative Paul Tuss, D-Havre, announced Thursday that Gov. Greg Gianforte signed into law House Bill 795, legislation Tuss sponsored that would exempt certain grants from the Montana Environmental Policy Act.

HB 795 exempts grants from the Montana Coal Endowment Program and the Coal Board from having to complete a MEPA analysis for proposals submitted to these two programs.

"The passage of this legislation, along with the governor's signature to make this bill a law, assures that grants submitted to these two programs will no longer duplicate the MEPA analysis conducted through permitting processes for other agencies," Tuss said. "This law will make securing funds from MCEP and the Coal Board less cumbersome, more streamlined and easier for towns, cities counties and other entities."

The Montana Coal Endowment Program, formerly the Treasure State Endowment Program, provides grant funding for planning and constructing infrastructure projects that solve critical public health and safety problems and make the projects more affordable to local residents.

The Coal Board awards grants to local governments for public services or facilities needed as a result of the expansion or decline of coal development.

"Having worked with local governments in northern Montana for over two decades to help finance and rehabilitate their aging infrastructure, I know first-hand how important it is to have funding programs that work as they were intended, are user-friendly and don't burden local folks with unnecessary paperwork," Tuss said. "This legislation fits nicely with the governor's effort to reduce red tape and I'm pleased that he agreed it was a priority for Montana."