Archive for Access
by State Bureau
A bill clarifying state law on public access to certain rivers and streams from county roads and bridges is headed to Gov. Brian Schweitzer for his expected signature.
In a final vote, the House Monday accepted Senate amendments to House Bill 190, by Rep. Kendall Van Dyk, D-Billings. The vote was 96-3. The Senate previously approved the amended bill on a 48-2 vote. Read More→
Bridge access bill near compromise
Posted by:By Charles S. Johnson, State Bureau
Opponents of a bridge access bill raised some concerns at a Senate hearing Thursday, but the bill’s sponsor said he’s confident these differences can be ironed out.
Twenty-five people representing groups ranging from the Montana Wildlife Federation and Trout Unlimited to the Montana Farm Bureau Federation and Farmers Union lined up for House Bill 190, by Rep. Kendall Van Dyk, D-Billings, before the Senate Fish and Game Committee. Attorney General Steve Bullock also endorsed it. Read More→
HB14 finds unanimous public support
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HB14, sponsored by Rep. Bill Nooney, (R) of Missoula proposes that Montana purchase critical lands put up for sale by Plum Creek Timber Company. HB14, titled “An act authorizing the creation of state debt through the issuance of general obligation bonds,” would provide authorization for the state to purchase Plum Creek lands in order to generate educational revenue, while providing for timber livelihoods and recreational access. Montana DNRC director, Mary Sexton, termed HB 14 a true “Montana bill.”
Support for HB14 ranged from logging companies to environmental nonprofits and private citizens to governmental agencies. At stake are critical lands now owned by Plum Creek Timber Company that the state of Montana has an opportunity to purchase. By purchasing lands from Plum Creek, the state could secure thousands of acres of land that not only would help to stimulate local economies and educational revenues, but also would provide a wealth of new lands for recreational access.
The hearing room was overflowing so many interested parties watched the committee hearing from the halls of the Capitol. Support like this makes clear the importance of traditional economies here in Montana, yet also the strong public desire for increased state land holdings as a mechanism for funding public education and providing for recreational access.
HB 14 has not been transferred to the Senate as of yet.
"I think that it’s going to all work out, with the changes that we have agreed to. It’s not as much (spending for some programs) as I would’ve hoped, but apparently it’s more than other people wanted. As usual, we are trying to find the middle.” 
"[On term limits:] You empower the executive, you empower the lobbyists and that's not good for the system because then we lose what the citizen Legislature brings.” 