Bill > HB7

This bill establishes the Reclamation and Development Grants Program for the 2025-2027 biennium, appropriating funds from the natural resources projects state special revenue account to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) for various environmental and infrastructure projects. The bill allocates $750,000 for planning reclamation and development projects, $5,523,260 for grants to political subdivisions and local governments, and provides a detailed prioritized list of 16 specific projects ranging from watershed restoration and mine reclamation to water treatment plant upgrades and flood mitigation. The grants are subject to strict conditions, including approved project scopes, documented matching funds, project management plans, compliance with accounting principles, and execution of grant agreements. Recipients cannot receive funding from both this program and the renewable resource grant and loan program for the same project in the same biennium. The bill also includes provisions for potential reallocation of funds if projects do not meet conditions or expend their full allocations, and requires the DNRC to oversee and manage the grant distribution. The act will become effective on July 1, 2025, and the secretary of state is instructed to notify tribal governments about the legislation.

Budget and Finance

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/20251/LC0712