Bill > HB5

This bill appropriates funds for major repair and capital development projects for the biennium ending June 30, 2027, and makes other related changes. * **Major Repair Projects:** The bill allocates funds for numerous major repair projects across various state agencies, including the Department of Administration, Department of Military Affairs, and the Montana University System. These projects focus on essential maintenance and upgrades such as life safety improvements, HVAC system replacements, roof repairs, and electrical system upgrades. Specific examples include $2.1 million for MSU's Montana Hall Life Safety Improvements, $2.4 million for UM's Missoula College Mechanical, Electrical, and Accessibility Upgrades, and $2.45 million for DMA's Statewide Indoor Firing Range Remediation. A total of $2.8 million from the capital land grant fund is also designated for major repair projects on the Capitol complex. * **Capital Development Projects:** Significant appropriations are made for capital development projects, including large-scale initiatives like the Department of Corrections' Low-Side Housing Expansion ($150 million) and Site Infrastructure Upgrades ($21 million) at the Montana State Prison. Other substantial projects include the Montana University System's Campus Expansion and Upgrades ($50 million), the Department of Military Affairs' Vehicle Maintenance Shop Construction ($40.6 million), and the Office of Budget and Program Planning's Capitol Complex Deferred Maintenance and Renewal ($50 million). * **Capital Improvement Projects:** The bill also funds capital improvements for the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, totaling over $5 million for various statewide facilities, including administrative facilities, fishing access sites, hatcheries, and state parks. Additionally, the Montana University System receives $20 million in authority-only funds for campus facility improvements, and the Department of Transportation receives $3 million for statewide maintenance, repair, and small projects. * **Land Acquisition:** The Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is appropriated $12 million for Habitat Montana and $18 million for Habitat Montana - Enhanced 701 Funding, along with $500,000 for Fishing Access Site Acquisition. * **Fund Transfers and Other Provisions:** The bill includes provisions for transferring $150 million from the General Fund to the Capital Developments Long-Range Building Program Account and $2 million to the Department of Environmental Quality for leaking petroleum tank remediation. It also modifies existing laws related to capital development definitions, reporting requirements, and value thresholds for major repairs. A significant change allows for the combination of previously approved appropriations for the UM Clapp Building, consolidating the UM Forestry Conservation & Science Lab and the Clapp Building Replacement projects.