Author: Press Room

Cig Tax Prompts Smuggling

25 January 2020
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The newest report from the Tax Foundation on the consequences of high state cigarette excise taxes reveals that 21.34 percent of the total cigarettes consumed in Montana are smuggled into the state. Montana ranks twelfth highest in the nation in terms of smuggled cigarettes.

The organization makes the point that crafting tax policy, often has, no matter how well-intentioned, unintended consequences that outweigh their benefits.

One notable consequence of high state cigarette excise tax rates has been increased cigarette smuggling as people procure discounted packs from low-tax states and sell them in high-tax states.

The data was based on 2017 during which Montana’s tax on a pack of cigarettes was $1.70, the same as it has been since 2006. During that time smuggling cigarettes into Montana has declined from 31.20 percent.

Growing cigarette tax differentials across states have made cigarette smuggling both a national problem and, in some cases, a lucrative criminal enterprise.

Cigarette smuggling also puts consumers at risk with counterfeit cigarettes and perpetuates a black market which negatively affects tax revenue.

New York and California have the highest inbound smuggling activity in the country, with an estimated 55.4 percent and 44.6 percent of cigarettes consumed in the state deriving from smuggled sources in 2017, respectively. New York has a tax of $4.35 (the highest in the nation) and California has a tax of $2.87. Missouri has the lowest tax rate of 17 cents.

New Hampshire has the highest level of outbound smuggling at 65 percent of consumption, likely due to its relatively low tax rates and proximity to high-tax states in the northeastern United States.

Following New Hampshire is Delaware (40.6 percent outbound smuggling), Idaho (26.8 percent), Virginia (24.2 percent), and Wyoming (22.4 percent).

Pennsylvania, following a cigarette tax increase from $1.60 to $2.60 in early 2016, has seen a significant increase in smuggling into the state.

Cigarette tax rates increased in 37 states and the District of Columbia between 2006 and 2017.

The data was based on 2017 during which Montana’s tax on a pack of cigarettes was $1.70, the same as it has been since 2006. During that time smuggling cigarettes into Montana has declined from 31.20 percent.

Billings Building Permits – January 1 2020

25 January 2020
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Commercial

  • City Of Billings/T.W. Clark Construction Llc, 4845 Midland Rd, Com Addition, $2,550,000
  • Yellowstone County Council On Aging/H. C. Lift, 935 Lake Elmo Dr, Com Addition, $180,000
  • Family Services/Empire Roofing Inc, 3927 1st Ave S, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $99,424
  • Fed X/Cobb Environmental & Technical Services Inc, 1148 1st Ave N, Com New Other, $3,000
  • Yellowstone Health Partnership/T.W. Clark Construction Llc, 116 S 25th St, Com New Warehouse/Storage, $550,000
  • Kairos Properties Llc/Sunset Construction Llc, 1363 Montana Ave, Com Remodel, $156,000
  • Rimrock Owner Lp/Rolo Construction Inc, 300 S 24th St W, Com Remodel, $500
  • R E O Llc/Shaw Construction, 2590 Holman Ave, Com Remodel, $3,000
  • Lara, Scott B & Linda K, 315 S 34th St, Com Remodel, $5,000
  • Plaza Office Building Llc/Artisan Builders, 1629 Avenue D, Com Remodel, $20,000

Residential

  • Classic Design Homes Inc/Classic Design Homes, 4039 Lodge Ln, Res New Single Family, $221,830
  • Classic Design Homes/Classic Design Homes, 2213 Gleneagles Blvd, Res New Single Family, $235,729
  • Specialized Construction Inc/Specialized Construction, 2127 Lakehills Dr, Res Remodel Single/Duplex/Garage, $47,635
  • Specialized Construction Inc/Specialized Construction, 2124 Lakehills Dr,
  • Res Remodel Single/Duplex/Garage, $47,600
  • Nick Wong/Paramount Construction And Remodeling, 123 Terry Ave, Res Remodel Single/Duplex/Garage, $15,000
  • Thomas, J Richard & M Sharyn/Your Home Improvement Company, Llc,
  • 333 Stillwater Ln, Res Remodel Single/Duplex/Garage, $8,500

Air Terminal Updates

25 January 2020
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A continuing resolution for federal funding for the current fiscal year gives Missoula International Airport the surety it needs in planning a proposed $67 million terminal, following a record passenger year and in anticipation of additional new flights. The project is expected to be completed in 2021.

Uncooperative winter weather has slowed progress on the terminal project at Billings Airport, with the possibility that it may stall until spring. But, if increases in passenger enplanements over the past two months continue through December, Billings too may break its 2018 record of 451,564 enplanements. November of this year ended with 431,000 enplanements YTD, compared to 413,795 in November 2018.

Br-r-r-r-r, Montana, Colder than You Thought!

25 January 2020
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If, for shivering Montanans, the winters of the recent past have seemed colder and summers inordinately cooler, they would be right.

The average monthly temperatures in Montana have been declining at a pace of 0.4 degrees F each decade, since 2005, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The data also reveals that Montana has been experiencing a modest increase in precipitation since the early 1900s. Although interrupted by periodic drought during recent years – not historically unusual – the long-term increase in precipitation has continued into the new century.

Also, climate change has been a benefit to Montana.

To the degree that there has been warming, “Satellite measurements of global vegetation intensity show Montana is benefitting from global greening more than almost any other region of the planet.”

The Heartland Institute recently announced these findings as the result of research done by James Taylor and Anthony Watts in a policy brief entitled “Climate Change and Montana: a Scientific Assessment” (NOAA). The document provides Montana-specific climate information for lawmakers to assist in dealing with Gov. Steve Bullock’s executive order of July 1, 2019 creating the Montana Climate Solutions Council, charged with preparing the state for climate change impacts and to create a plan to reach net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2035.

The data reveals that Montana has warmed very little during the past century, and not at all during the past 15 years. “NOAA temperature records show a modest warming trend has occurred in Montana since 1985, at a pace of 0.2 degree Fahrenheit per decade,” but the most accurate and advanced temperature-gathering stations which became operational in 2005, show Montana temperatures have dropped at a pace of 0.4 percent per decade.

“It is counterfactual to claim humans are causing a recent increase, or any increase at all, in recent Montana temperatures,” the report emphasized.

What modest increases in temperature that have occurred, along with long- term precipitation increases, have benefitted Montana, as indicated by increased crop production (wheat, corn, barley, oats, potatoes, sugar beets, hay) that has set new records, almost every year. And, in fact there is much to indicate that warming temperatures are a positive to human existence and especially so in Montana since warmer climate “would provide greater opportunities for tourism, exercise, and recreation in Montana,” concludes the report.

Warmer temperatures also result in fewer human deaths than does colder weather.

The authors warn that while Montana has suffered economic losses and struggled, unnecessarily so, from government –imposed climate programs focused on restricting the production and use of coal and oil, the state should prepare for what is likely to be another wave of activism targeting another aspect of the state’s basic economy – livestock production.  “This also threatens to disproportionately harm Montana, which is an important beef and sheep producing state,” said the report, noting that Montana ranks seventh among the 50 states in beef cattle production and eighth in sheep and lamb production.

Climate activists have outlined an anti-livestock agenda in the UN which claims that “The livestock sector emerges as one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global.”

In September 2018, the UN published an article – “Tackling the World’s Most Urgent Problem: Meat” — summarizing the views of the winners of the UN Champions of the Earth Award, saying, “[Our] use of animals as a food-production technology has brought us to the verge of catastrophe. The destructive impact of animal agriculture on our environment far exceeds that of any other technology on Earth.”

The state faces these political attacks despite the fact that Montana CO2 emissions contribute very little to national and global emissions.

“Only eight states emit fewer total CO2 emission than Montana.”

Montana produces less than 2 percent of total US CO2 emissions. According to calculations included in the US National Center for Atmospheric Research climate models, immediately eliminating all of Montana CO2 emissions would lower expected global temperature by only approximately 0.003 degree C by the year 2100, “an amount too small to be measured or noticed.”

Montana gets most of its electricity generation from emissions-free hydroelectric power.

“While attempts by Montana policymakers to restrict or eliminate CO2 emissions will in no measurable way reduce global temperature, such efforts would inflict much economic suffering on the citizens of the state.”

“…even if Montana were showing signs of substantial climate change or negative climate change impacts, Montana has already dramatically curtailed its carbon dioxide emissions, which means state government action to reduce carbon dioxide emissions or otherwise address climate change would have extremely minimal climate impact. However, these actions to restrict greenhouse gas emissions would unquestionably limit Montana natural resource production, thereby reducing government revenues, raise energy prices for Montana consumers and businesses, and deal a crippling blow to Montana’s livestock and crop production.”

Restricting or discouraging oil or coal production would harm the economy and kill jobs. “In 2017, more than 1,100 workers, many with high salaries, were directly employed in coal production in Montana. Total annual coal-related payrolls in Montana amounted to nearly $100 million and there are many other jobs dependent on the coal industry…”

“Eliminating Montana’s fossil fuel sector would also put a strain on state and local government income. In 2018, the state collected $60 million from its Coal Severance Tax. Additionally the coal Gross Proceeds Tax collected $17.3 million, of which $9.1 million went to local governments.

“Other coal-production-related taxes lifted state revenues from that sector to greater than $110 million. The state also collects another $65.5 million from the Oil and Gas Production Tax.”

The report takes direct issue with the 2017 Montana Climate Assessment (MCA), which Gov. Bullock said was the basis for his climate change initiatives to restrict CO2 emission.

The MCA is “deeply flawed,” state the authors. “…the assessment was biased from its inception,” they state, pointing out that its participants – the Nature Conservancy and the Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO) – had previously declared biases prior to becoming participants in the assessment, and any contributions from “credible and credentialed voices in the scientific and scholarly community offering solid data calling alarmist narratives into question” were not invited to participate.

“MCA’s authors cherry-picked data outside of their proper context and misleadingly presented such data to display an alarmist picture of climate change and its effects in Montana.”

They called a “glaring error” the MCA’s conclusion that between 1950 and 2015 Montana temperatures have increased 2- 3 degrees F. Comparisons were made using extreme data in ways for which there was no reason to present it, “unless the presenter is seeking the most alarmist storyline possible to mislead readers about the long-term temperature trend,” they said. “Any temperature history beginning in 1930, 1940 or 1960 would show a 1-2 degree temperature increase, which is in keeping with the Montana temperature history reported by NOAA. A temperature history beginning in 2005 would show no warming at all.”

In a review of earth’s history of climate change, the authors stated “Modest recent changes in global climate is well within natural variability”…. in fact during the current period between “ice age epochs,” which have occurred every 100,000 years or so, the temperatures have been cooler than in previous “interglacial warm periods.”

“During the past 150 years, Earth has slowly emerged from the Little Ice Age. This warming, which began before the invention of coal-fired power plants and automobiles, has brought immeasurable benefits. Crop production sets new records almost every year. Satellite instruments have measured a dramatic greening of the Earth. Deserts are receding and plant life is increasingly taking root in arid regions of the globe. Extreme weather events are becoming less frequent. Lower temperatures, which kill far more people than moderate or even high temperatures, are becoming less frequent.”

Montana Highlights – October 15, 2019

28 December 2019
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All of the 52 six-pane windows at Sperry’s Chalet at Lake McDonald Lodge at Glacier National Park are installed. The  interior walls and doors are stained a rich chocolate brow and it looks like the construction crews will meet their goal of wrapping up the rebuilding of the historic dormitory before the snow sets in.

Results from a water-quality sampling project on the Kootenai River indicate there are elevated levels of selenium in water and fish tissue and elevated nitrates in the water. Findings the United States Environmental Protection Agency says are caused by upstream mining sources in Canada’s Elk Valley and at Lake Koocanusa. The study  is based on water chemistry and fish tissue samples taken on the river in Montana and Idaho. Aside from looking at chemical levels in the water, the study evaluated 142 fish for selenium and mercury as well.

Sarah Davis has been named the first female chief ranger in Yellowstone National Park’s history and the 18th chief ranger to manage the Park for the National Park Service. Davis will start in her new job in December.  Davis, whose official title is Chief of Resource and Visitor Protection, is a 20-year NPS veteran. She currently is the chief ranger at Natchez Trace Parkway. In her new job Davis  will manage more than 275 employees.  

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall will headline the 100th Montana Farm Bureau Convention. Duvall plans to attend the entire convention, allowing him time to network with members and provide updates on national ag issues. The Convention will be held November 11-14 at the DoubleTree

Reports released by Montana State University’s Montana Manufacturing Extension Center highlight the strength of Montana’s manufacturing sector.  According to the report, manufacturing was equal to tourism and ahead of mining and farming in statewide earnings in 2018. The petroleum and coal sector accounted for the largest share of these earnings, followed by wood products. The fastest-growing sector, meanwhile, was “beverages and tobacco.”

406 Brewing Company is moving to a larger facility on East Main Street in Manhattan. The business will move into a 7,000 plus -square-foot space. 406 Brewing Company is best known for a few specialty mainstays, including Hop Punch IPA, Putin’s Revenge Imperial Stout, Big Blonde Ale, and Jamber Ale. 406 might be able to offer barrel-aged beer. The larger building also will enable the business to purchase more tanks, a canning line and the keg line.

Owner Robin Chopus has sold the Emerson Grill in Bozeman. It will close at the end of October. The fine-dining, Italian food restaurant and catering business opened in 2005 and sources food from local producers.

Town Pump Charitable Foundation is matching $750,000 in contributions during its 18th annual fundraising campaign for food banks across Montana. A record-setting 85 food banks are participating in the statewide “Be A Friend in Deed, Helping Those in Need” campaign this year. The campaign has raised about $33 million for Montana food banks in 17 years, including about $6.25 million in matching grants from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. Donations are being collected at local Town Pumps, Lucky Lil’s, Montana Lil’s and Magic Diamond casinos.

On behalf of the state of Montana, Attorney General Tim Fox is petitioning federal district court in Great Falls to intervene on behalf of the defendant in a lawsuit that seeks to stop the Keystone XL Pipeline. The pipeline, which will begin in Alberta and connect to an existing pipeline in Nebraska, will run through Phillips, Valley, McCone, Dawson, Prairie, and Fallon Counties in Montana.

The Montana Department of Transportation announced that it is seeking public comment on a proposal to mill and overlay 8.5 miles of US-191, west of Roy, Montana. The proposed project begins 8.5 miles west of Roy, and extends east for 8.4 miles. The project is tentatively scheduled for construction in 2021, depending on completion of all project development activities and availability of funding.

MDU Resources Group, Inc. has acquired the assets of Pride Electric, Inc., an electrical construction company in Redmond, Washington. Founded in 1993, Pride Electric provides high-end commercial, industrial and tenant improvement electrical construction, along with tele-data and security system installation. “Pride Electric will provide complementary electrical services in Seattle, Bellevue and Redmond,” said David L. Goodin, president and CEO of MDU Resources. Pride Electric will be operated as a division of OEG, Inc., which is a subsidiary of MDU Construction Services Group.

Next March Lewis and Clark County is planning to separate from PureView Health Center. PureView will become the employer of 63 former county employees because of the disassociation, which means they will no longer be members of the Montana Public Employees union. Since any organization that separates from the union must pay the total of the unfunded liability that would have been paid in the future to cover the organization’s commitments, Lewis and County will face a payment of up to $5 million.

The Missoula County Airport Authority is now seeking proposals from concessionaires that are interested and capable of providing service  in its new terminal. Proposals are due in mid-December and the board is expected to reach a recommendation in February. The airport currently holds a beer and wine license that also comes with a gaming license. The airport will likely lease the beer and wine license to the winning bidder. The board hasn’t decided whether the gaming license will be included

Kaiser Health News reported that Medicare has cut payments to nine Montana hospitals as part of a federal program aimed at incentivizing hospitals to reduce how many patients return for a second stay. That’s the most Montana hospitals that have been penalized in one year. 14 Montana hospitals were evaluated by the feds.

A Belgrade-based company says they are set to become the leading company in water-scooping aircraft in America.. Bridger Aerospace will receive their first two CL-415 Enhanced Aerial Firefighter (EAF) airframes, which are used to gather water to dump on and suppress wildfires, in time for next year’s 2020 fire season. Four more scooper planes will join the company’s fleet over the following two years. The company is already a leader in aerial firefighting nationwide and a major force for aerial tracking and suppression of wildfires. Bridger Aerospace Chief Operating Officer Darren Wilkins says the acquisition of the airframes is an important move not only for the company, but for firefighting nationwide. Wilkins pointed out that Bridger Aerospace’s six new scooper planes will help build the American fleet size for aircrafts that drop water, since there aren’t many water scoopers in use in the U.S.

The first flight landed at the new $275 million Williston Basin International Airport at its opening on Oct. 10. It replaces Sloulin Field, which served as Williston’s airport for nearly 60 years. 

North Dakota’s taxable sales and purchases for the second quarter of 2019 are up nearly 8.4%. Second quarter taxable sales and purchases were up 6.34% in Williston and 6.09% in Williams County. Williams County’s taxable sales and purchases rose from $423,659,194 in 2018 to $449,451,615 in 2019 while Williston’s increased from $402,042,984 to $427,535,297.

The First National Bank and Trust Co. of Williston  will be converting to a state chartered financial institution.  The bank currently operates branches in Williston, Crosby and Ray. As part of the conversion process, the bank will be rebranded as First State Bank & Trust, pending regulatory approval. 

Montana Legal Profile Looking Better

28 December 2019
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Since 2012, Montana’s state liability system has improved from 45th in the country to 7th overall this year, according to a biennial report released by the Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The ILR recently released its 2019 Lawsuit Climate Survey, which included its ranking of the states. Montana ranked higher than Idaho and South Dakota, but was ranked below Wyoming (No. 4) and North Dakota (No. 6). Moving up 20 spots since the 2017 survey, Montana experienced the largest jump of any state.

“We are excited about Montana’s rise in this legal environment ranking,” said Bridger Mahlum, government relations director of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a reflection of our work to achieve a legal system that consistently follows the rule of law. The Montana Chamber will continue to serve as a leading voice in this policy arena for years to come.”

The Montana Chamber and its Justice Coalition have delivered positive results for the state’s legal climate that influenced this ranking. Recent victories for justice include the passage of legislation to amend judgement interest laws, in addition to the Montana Chamber’s participation as an amicus party in the landmark BNSF v Tyrrell decision.

According to the ILR survey, 89 percent of respondents reported that a state’s litigation environment is likely to impact business decisions such as where to locate or do business. Survey respondents evaluate each state based on overall treatment of tort litigation, damages, venue enforcement, and more. Montana now ranks among the top five legal climates for damages, proportional discovery, and scientific and technical evidence.

The survey, based on feedback from general counsel, senior litigators/attorneys, and senior executives, reflects the attractiveness of each state’s legal climate when it comes to conducting business.

Billings: Great Place to Start Business

28 December 2019
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Billings was ranked as the #4 medium city where Americans are most likely to start a new business, according to a new AdvisorSmith study.

Billings had 3.8 new businesses started per 1000 people, which was 65% above the national average.

Billings ranked #6 nationwide, beating out Great Falls (#23), Lewiston, ID (#25), and Boise, ID (#28).

There were approximately 5400 businesses in Billings with at least 1 employee.

The top medium cities for new business starts were:

  1. Boulder, CO
  2. Coeur d’Alene, ID
  3. St. George, UT
  4. Billings, MT
  5. Bend, OR
  6. Bellingham, WA
  7. Naples, FL
  8. Barnstable Town, MA
  9. Wilmington, NC
  10. Midland, TX  

Construction Jobs on Rise

3 November 2019
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Thirty-nine states added construction jobs between August 2018 and August 2019, while construction employment increased in 29 states from July to August, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department. Montana was not one of them.

Association officials said that construction workforce shortages may have kept more states from adding construction jobs this past month.

“Even more states probably would have posted gains in construction employment if firms could find enough people to hire,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “They are finding most craft positions hard to fill, even though average pay in construction pays is higher than the all-industry average in nearly every state.”

Texas added the most construction jobs over the year (43,900 jobs, 5.9 percent), followed by California (34,300 jobs, 4.0 percent), Florida (20,900 jobs, 3.8 percent), and Arizona (15,400 jobs, 9.7 percent). North Dakota added the highest percentage of construction jobs over 12 months (12.1 percent, 3,100 jobs), followed by Nevada (11.7 percent, 10,500 jobs), Arizona, and New Mexico (9.2 percent, 4,300 jobs). Construction employment reached a record high in Nebraska and Texas.

Ten states shed construction jobs over the latest 12 months, while employment was flat in Mississippi. Louisiana lost the largest number and percentage of construction jobs (-10,100 jobs, -6.6 percent). Other states with large job losses include Ohio (-3,600 jobs, -1.6 percent), Maryland (-1,600 jobs, -1 percent), Vermont (-1,000 jobs, -6.6 percent) and Connecticut (-1,000 jobs, -1.7 percent). Other states with a substantial percentage decline include Vermont, Montana (-2.1 percent, -600 jobs), Connecticut, and Ohio.

Billings New Businesses September 2019

3 November 2019
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Spectrum, 2499 King Ave W Ste C, 59102, 888-406-7063, Mark Hatzenbuehler, retail sales

Pop Up Place, 2101 Grand Ave Ste 4, 59102, 697-7869, Monica Maristuen, service

Live Natural, 536 Avenue B, 59102, 530-9968, Jacinius Fenmore, retail sales

Three Sisters LTD, LLC, 915 N 32nd St, 59101, 698-3375, Luke Duray, service

Venegas & Sons Drywall, 215 N 18th St, 59101, 694-4504, Everardo Venegas, general contractor

 PCl Home Repairs, 2408 Terry Ave, 59102, 671-2087, Paul Law, service

Lynn Contracting, 4315 Rio Vista Dr, 59106, 698-3723, Diane Hooker, general contractors

The Damage Detector, 3707 crater Lake Ave, 59102, 661-0929, Brandon Anderson, service

Bartlett Homes and Roofing, 1307 Maple grove Rd, Boise ID 83709, 208-286-4187, Nathan Nipper, general contractors

The Hail Stop, 1601 Central Ave, 59102, 200-0195, Jason Smith, service

Premier Exteriors, 17061 Independent Lane, 59105, 591-5894, Scott Gleason, general contractors

Accelerated Growth, LLC, 2012 Virginia Ln, 59102, 694-2708, Laverne Bass, retail sales

C-Mar Construction, 22 7th St W, 59101, 606-2076, Corven Marquardson, general contractors

Atka LLC, 2727 41st W, 59106, 794-2171, Lee Hanson/Annie Larson,  general contractors

White River Janitorial & Security, Bird Chief St, Busby 59016, 861-6401, Irvin Rising Sun Jr, service

Pollard & Son Painting & drywall, 5400 Midland Rd, 59101, 702-324-2035, Jeffrey Pollard, service

Hail One, 849 1st Ave N, 59101, 855-442-4587, Jack Hout, service

Father and Son Construction, 243 Valley Green, Jordan MN 55352, 612-802-4157, Efrain Bonilla, general contractors

All Around Roofing and Exteriors Montana, LLC, 1511 6th Ave N, 59101, 405-7663, Ryan Sanchez, roofing contractor

PYG of Montana LLC, 17061 Independent Ln, 59105, 690-6966, Guadalupe Garcia/Pedro Juarez, general contractors

JJM Contractors LLC, 4050 Deer trail, 59105, 671-8087, Jamie Muus, general contractors

Big Sky Mobile Lube, 21 Hemlock Dr 314, 59101, 598-8287, Nicole James, service

Hupka Construction, 607 Avenue F #6, 59102, 606-9314, Rhett Hupka, general contractors

Sitting Pretty, 1430 Country Manor Blvd Ste #6, 59102, 561-7707, Sandra Tinajero, service

Sunlight Cleaning Service, 1069 Hannon Dr, 59101, 670-4978, Kelly Mochr, service

Dynamic Roofing and Construction, 2305 Arapahoe Rd Ste 220, Centennial CO 80122, 303-794-4919, Jed Sybrowsky, general contractors

Davaco LP, 4050 Valley View Lane Ste 150, Irving TX 75038, 214-373-4700, Jason Melvin, general contractors

Big Dog Fitness, 718 N 22nd St, 59101, 461-8095, Jacob Smith, service

Bach Land Development LLC, 11650 S State St, Draper UT 84020, 801-727-9500, James McLauighlin, general contractors

Monkey See, Monkey Do, 1531 Yellowstone Ave, 59102, 200-4350, Crystal Ostlund, service

Trophy Class Solutions, 1031 Harvard Ave, 59102, 465-9281, Tyler Jones, general contractors

Kleinsasser Construction, 118 N 7th St, Custer 59024, 839-5029, Paul Kleinsasser, general contractors

Dave’s Restoration, 3830 Osness Rd, Shepherd 59079, 696-5854, David Wigren, general contractors

Bonilla Services, 400 Moccasin Tr, 59105, 539-9440, Froilan Bonilla Jordan, service

Yellowstone Resources Inc, 3110 Cel Ave, 59102, 259-5050, Brian Harvey, service

Nathaniel Hanser Construction, 16636 Montana, Broadview 59015, 860-2795, Nathaniel Hanser, general contractors

Billings Boys Roofing, 3914 Lasso Ln, 59105, 698-3514, Kyle Kring, general contractors

KNX Distributing, 2215 7th Ave N, 59101, 316-208-3784, Bo Nelson, service

Helping Hands Construction, 530 W 47th St S, Wichita KS 67217, 316-208-3784, Matthew Smith-Wilson, general contractors

Patriot Heating and Cooling LLC, 501 Roundhouse Dr, Laurel 59044, 272-2292, Jason Linday, service

Seaton Construction, 7648 Pinto Dr, Shepherd 59079, 671-9969, Jim Seaton, general contractors

Particular Cleaning, 2905 Lynnwood Cir, 59012, 200-4182, Truthe West Leah Crawford, service

matt’s Auto Body, 4310 State Ave, 59101, 690-6571, Matthew Rukstad, auto business

E&C Horizons,  920 N 24th St, 59101, 208-8446, Edward Biessener, general contractors

Dhekness Distributing LLC, 2215 7th Ave N, 59101, 876-3630, Dave Ekness, distributors

Fly Girl Cheesecurds, 13 Nimitz Dr, 59101, 924695, Lia Munson, restaurants

SMW Designs, 8955 Lynn Ave, 59106, 698-7246, Keith Wetmore, retail sales

We Fix Hail Damage LLC – Auto, 2315 4th Ave N, 59101, 206-9711, Damon Kirtland, service

We Fix Hail Damage LLC – Home, 2315 4th Ave N, 59101, 206-9711, Damon Kirtland,  general contractors

Jeremy Talen Contracting, 1024 Claremore Ln, 59105, 839-6858, Jeremy Talen, general contractors

Z&B, 1229 Avenue F, 59102, 894-0936, Bobbi Rae Zavala Jr, general contractors

Tango Marketing, 1310 Division St, 59101, 697-2777, Arielle Perry, retail sales

Montana Home and Habitat, 1105 Parkhill Dr, 59102, 949-525-7585, Herbert Jeffrey Hunt, service

 MacDonald Steel Exteriors Inc, 5217 Clemson Dr, 59106, 855-2320, Hugh MacDonald, general contractors

Borders Construction, 129 Washington St, 59101, 307-254-0078, Schyler Borders, general contractors

Colorado Roofing Contractors LLC, 4955 Miller St Ste 200, Wheatridge CO 80033, 720-833-8396, Steve Dye, roofing contractors

Evergreen Ace Hardware, 1540 13th St W, 59102, Charles King, general contractors

Red Roan LLC, 4315 Rio Vista Dr, 59106, 661-1297, Chad Hooker, general contractors

E&L Builders, 644 Cook Ave, 59101, 307-267-5581, Erik Gallo, general business

Red Springs Construction & Roofing, 2995 Pass Creek Rd, Wyola 59089, 679-1521, Joseph Stewart, general contractors

A & M Communications, PO Box 175, Boring OR 97009, 563-639-0643, Brian Rasmussen, service

Robert Roofing, 544 Pemberton, 59105, 861-4004, Robert Brunner, roofing contractor

 CM Burdine Contracting & Repair, 11 Sunrise Dr, Roundup 59072, 350-2711, Chris Burdine, general contractors

Scott Long, 19 Heather Dr, 59105, 860-8164, Scott Long, general contractors

Harris Homes, 2936 Millice Ave, 59102, 927-2301, Justion Harris, general contractors

Noble & No Bull Contracting LLC, 4717 Vandaveer Rd, 59101, 694-9266, Jason Hein, general contractors

C&C Community Inc, 307 S Billings Blvd, 59101, 200-3260, C&C Community Inc, mobile home courts

MRC Industrial Contractor, 4030 Tall Pine Dr, Marietta GA 30062, 303-919-2460, Michael Harrick, general contractors

Thomas Construction & Welding, 118 Porcupine Ridge, Roberts 59070, 670-1977, Thomas Eastlick, service

Eagle Distributing LLC, 2215 7th Ave N, 59101, 855-2429, Christopher Stene, distributors

WC Commercial LLC, 316 N 26th St, 59101, 690-1394, Joseph Holden, service

The Man Shop, 1313 Grand Ave Ste 1, 59102, 509-325-5049, Michael Howe, barber

B. Leaf Aesthetic Clinic, 223 Shiloh Rd Ste 3, 59106, 672-8683, Jayme Tripp, service

Slade Roofing, 1925 Grand Ave Ste 127, 59102, 384-7227, Tyler Slade, roofing contractors

HPC Enterprises, 1002 4th St W, Roundup 59072, 855-2687, Harold Charlton, general contractors

Elevated Home Craftyers Inc, 1348 Main St, 59105, 208-0799, Justin Wagner, general contractors

Sachulmoon Siding, 207 N 22nd St, 59101, 706-983-0761, Sachul Moon, service

Exterior technologies, 501 2nd Ave, Laurel 59044, 812-2211, Brandon Arthur, general contractors

The Sophisticated Raven, 2704 Cook Ave, 59102, 694-2382, Janna Rozett, retail sales

Sierra Williams Photography, 5248 Encampment Trail, Acton 59002, 861-8526, Sierra Williams, service

Frontline Consultants and Contracting, 1925 Grand Ave Ste 115, 59102, 899-7663, Cody Brewster, general contractors

Resolved Exteriors, 616 Clark Ave, 59101, 208-1815, James Gilbert, general contractors

Montana Maid Interior Clean, 4710 Stone St, 59101, 618-841-0532, Angela Stump, service

Legacy Communications, 1600 Bench Rd, Three Forks 59752, 599-8936, Tyson Irish, general contractors

Steve Jones Construction, 115 E Beall, Bozeman 59715, 539-1627, Steve Jones, general contractors

Apex Steam Cleaning, 3425 Pebble Brook Dr, 59101, 671-1029, Hiram Wilder, service

Jerry Replogle, 3055 beech Ave, 59102, 671-8408, Jerry Replogle, general contractors

The Beat Ballroom Company, 1212 Grand Ave Ste 10C, 59102, 208-520-3905, Arica Lipp, service

The Artistic Lens, 2814 2nd Ave N, 59101, 208-520-3905, Arica Lipp, service

Cobb Environmental & Technical Services, 871 South green St, Tupelo MS 38804, 662-841-0995, Maggie Goolsby, service

Jacobson Knox Holdings Inc, 404 N 31st St, 59101, 252-3189, Steve Jacobson, service

Wild Rose Management, 6948 Pony Circle, Shepherd 59079, 425-870-5789, Whitney Huleatt, service

Madison Communications of GA, 2550 Sandy plains Rd Ste 225-330, Marietta GA 30066, 770-541-6010, Chris James, service

Lazy RT Construction Inc, 6 Montana St, Roundup 59072, 839-5130, Heather Therriault, general contractors

Dolinski’s Custom Cabinetry, 121 Sugar Ave Suite A, 59101, 200-4979, Marl Dolinski, general contractors

I-Maid in Montana, 1126 N 22nd St, 59101, 208-5714, Shelly Jacobsen, service

Robert Tremblay, 3314 1st Ave N 327, 59101, 321-2391, Robert Tremblay, service

Montana MVD Express, 900 S 24th St W, 59102, 371-2000, Janice Lucero, service

JTL group, 730 Bluegrass Pl, 59106, 208-0718, Joel T Long, service

Iris salon, 1579 Mullowney Ln, 59101, 534-6639, Teresa Lundeen, cosmetology

Benchmark Window & Door, 2950 king Ave W #2, 59102, 969-1491, Jennifer Emineth, retail sales

Relax Massage, 111 S 24th St W #3, 59102, 626-731-8898, Lin Xiu Jin, service

Big Sky Estimation & Admin, 1615 Fantan St Unit 12, 59102, 208-2381, Keoni Momohara,

Handy Jack Home Improvement LLC, 704 Joyce St, 59105, 460-1677, Brandon Mckamey, general contractors

Mountain Valley Construction Enterprise, 335 Nubias Pl, 59105, 928-451-6820, Joshua Scott, service

Five Star Painting, 4400 Wheat Ridge Rd, Molt 59057, 907-312-3979, Kirk Swanson

TKD Inventory Service, 18 JB Stetson St, 59106, 656-0340, Tim Daellenbach, service

Paul Willett Enterprises, 3519 king Ave E, 59101, 661-3342, Paul Willett, service

Cross Roads Inspection Services, 1257 Gardenia Dr, 59105, 671-4750, Kirk Wehmeyer, service

Wenjen Custom Resurfacing LLC, 2701 Enterprise Ave, 59102, 534-4020, Jennifer Jacobs, service

Otis little Snow Removal & Stuff, 81 gold Pan Ln, 59105, 371-3805, Mike Galarneau, service

Grizzly Machine LLC, 1559 Mullowney Ln, 59101, 661-9364, Sydney Tuss & Christopher Gaudino, service

CF Custom Roofing LLC, 4145 S Adams, Fort Worth TX 76115, 817-822-6961, Christian Fuentes, roofing contractor

Cornerstone Home Leading Inc (17th St W), 1460 17th St W, 59102, 672-7810, Lucila Bernal, banl/loan agencies

Hawkin Systems LLC, 4635 Harvest Ln, 591036, 670-6002, Eric Finstad, retail sales

Lesion, 1840 Virginia Ln, 59102, 861-6137, Lenity Martinson, cosmetology

Hair by Amy, 1840 Virginia Ln, 59102, 670-8708, Amy Précis, cosmetology

Yellowstone Valley Construction, 5812 red Sox Way, 59101, 850-7826, Chad Eggebrecht, general contractors

Miller Construction, 716 N 15th St #10, 59101, 561-9494, Todd Miller, general contractors

Visser Builds, 3405 Lovers Ln, 59105, 850-4321, Kirk Visser, general contractors

“Rmosa LLC, 2525 Minnesota Ave, 59101, 209-6382, Oneida Eudave Smiley, service

Loving Hands Homecare, 3075 Ave C #3302, 59102, 690-4466, Carrie Swanson, service

Wanner Roofing, 365 Sahara Dr, 59105, 861-1428, Russell Wanner, roofing contractor

Digital Design Dental Labs, 1690 Rimrock rd Ste F, 59102, 281-8993, Matthew & Teresa Larsen, manufacturing

Armored Roofing LLC, 1236 Harvard Ave, 59102, 598-6484, Alonso Popejoy-Shinchock, roofing contractors

Kerry’s Classic Cleaners, 928 Broadwater Ste 208, 598-5019, Kerry Schillinger, service

N 14 restoration LLC, 6731 Narcossee Rd Ste 1120, Orlando FL 32822, 208-4762, Valentin Molina, roofing contractors

Terry’s Roofing & General Contracting, 4339 Phillip St, 59101, 690-3644, Melvin Terry, general contractors

AG Fox Praises New ‘Waters of the U.S.’ Rule that Replaces Obama-Era Regulation

3 November 2019
Press Room
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On Sept. 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers announced the repeal of the controversial 2015 “Waters of the U.S.” rule, which dramatically expanded federal authority beyond traditional interpretations of the Clean Water Act. The EPA and Corps also announced the finalization of a replacement rule that brings consistency and clarity to how regulable waters are defined in the Clean Water Act.

The issue has been an important one for Montana agriculture and others concerned about water rights.

“I applaud the Trump Administration, EPA, and Corps of Engineers for finalizing a Waters of the U.S. rule that respects the role of the states in managing land and water resources,” said Montana Attorney General Tim Fox said. “In 2015, I and other state attorneys general led the charge in halting President Obama’s rule, which appeared to be more about grabbing power than protecting water. This time, the federal government listened to the people who will be directly impacted and crafted a proposal that makes it much easier to understand and apply the Clean Water Act in Montana.”

With the support of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Association of Counties, Montana Chamber of Commerce, and others, Attorney General Fox led a group of 13 states to file suit against the 2015 rule. The legal challenge was ultimately successful in halting implementation of the rule. In 2017, the federal government began the process of rescinding the 2015 rule and drafting a replacement.