safety projects

NW Montana counties receive $14.3M for infrastructure, safety upgrades

NW Montana counties receive $14.3M for infrastructure, safety upgrades1 / Congressman Ryan Zinke

MONTANA – Infrastructure and public safety projects across Flathead, Sanders and Lincoln counties are set to receive over $14.3 million in federal funding.

The funds will address several key projects. In Flathead County, $1 million will go toward installing guardrails along North Fork Road, a project coordinated with the Flathead County Roads Department for repaving efforts.

In Sanders County, $10 million for the Noxon Bridge Replacement project and $965,000 for the Sanders County Law Enforcement Resilience Project, which will help purchase new police vehicles and equipment. Additionally, $1.5 million will be used to repave Marten Creek Road.

In Lincoln County, $799,000 will support the Lincoln County Law Enforcement Resilience Project, providing new police vehicles and equipment. $454,000 will also go towards repairs to the Troy Airport runway, part of the Rural Airport Reconstruction and Emergency Services Expansion project.

The funding for all three projects is part of more than $35 million Congressman Ryan Zinke secured for fiscal year 2026, Zinke said in a release.

“States like Montana have been overlooked for too long, our infrastructure is aging and our law enforcement is underequipped for the massive acreage they cover. Replacing aging bridges, upgrading rural roads, and making sure our sheriffs and deputies have the gear they need protects families, supports local economies, and keeps Montana moving,” said Congressman Zinke. “These projects were a team effort, from Sander County Commissioner Tony Cox calling me and my office near every day to the hard work of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office, we made sure this funding went to the priorities of the communities that need them most.

In Lincoln County, $799,000 will support the Lincoln County Law Enforcement Resiliency Project, providing new police vehicles and equipment. Zinke also presented $454,000 for repairs to the Troy Airport runway, part of the Rural Airport Reconstruction and Emergency Services Expansion project.

Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short emphasized the impact of the funding. "Reliable vehicles and updated equipment make a real difference in how quickly we can respond and how safely our deputies can do their job," said Short.

Zinke made stops in Flathead, Noxon and Libby today to deliver checks to local representatives and project officials.

Full list of projects: