Downing Applauds Passage of Funding for Montana Infrastructure, Sentinel Program
Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) released a statement following House passage of H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. H.R. 7148 includes the last of 12 appropriations bills passed by the U.S. House of Representatives for fiscal year 2026 (FY26), marking a return to regular order appropriations.
The legislation includes $9,288,000 in funding for local priorities across Yellowstone, Rosebud, Teton, and Cascade counties which can be referenced in Division D of the bill’s Joint Explanatory Statement. Funded projects include improving a storm runoff pond at Billings Logan International Airport, roadway extension in Cascade County, road paving in Rosebud County, and a project to automate canal gates in the Greenfields Irrigation District.
The bill also includes over $2.6 billion to fund the Sentinel Program which can be referenced in Division A of the bill’s Joint Explanatory Statement. This funding level matches President Trump’s FY26 budget request for discretionary appropriations for the program by supplementing $2.5 billion appropriated in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for risk reduction activities for the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program.
Passage of H.R. 7148 is a critical step in securing funding for the projects. Following approval by the full House of Representatives, the legislation must be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President. This is the first time in years that a Congressman from Montana’s Eastern District has advocated for community project funding.
"The days of Congress kicking the can down the road are over,” said Congressman Troy Downing. “Today, House Republicans passed the last of 12 appropriations bills, delivering on our promise to return to regular order. This legislation also reflected my advocacy for infrastructure development in Central and Eastern Montana and full funding for the Sentinel Program at Malmstrom Air Force Base. I was proud to support these initiatives and urge the Senate to take up this bill as soon as possible and send it to the President’s desk.”
“The City of Billings thanks Congressman Downing for his efforts to secure funding for the Billings Logan International Airport Stormwater Pond E project in legislation before the House of Representatives,” said Billings Mayor Mike Nelson. “This project is vital to the long-term success of the airport by facilitating future infrastructure development for this important transportation hub and economic engine for the City of Billings, the region served, and the State of Montana.”
“Rosebud County would like to express our gratitude to Congressman Downing for his efforts in helping gain funding for our Castle Rock Road project,” said Rosebud County Commissioner Ed Joiner. “The three million dollars will help us pave and improve one of our main county roads. Castle Rock road is not only used by our residents, but is a highly used road by Westmoreland Coal Company and their employees. The road is also used for emergency transports from our County Airport out of Colstrip which benefits residents of Rosebud County, and the Northern Cheyenne Indian reservation. We have started the project but ran short of funding and had plans to improve the road at a later date, but this will help us get the much-needed project going earlier. Again, we appreciate the help and attention to help us out and a big Thank You from Rosebud County!”
“The Greenfields Irrigation District has been providing public benefits for well over 100 years,” said Greenfields Irrigation District Manager Erling Juel. “Tremendous appreciation to Congressman Downing and his Team for recognizing the critical importance of replacing the aging Mary Taylor Bifurcation infrastructure thus avoiding a catastrophic, mid-season failure. The planned upgrades will also incorporate hydropower generation. Besides producing clean, reliable, and predictable renewable energy for Montanans, the resulting revenue stream will facilitate and expedite the District’s aging irrigation infrastructure replacement plan as well as modernizing District operations. These improvements will ensure the sustainability and viability of the District for the next 100 years.”
“The Road extension project within the Agritech Park is a critical need for the continued development of good paying jobs for Cascade County residents,” said Cascade County Commissioner Joe Briggs. “Creation and expansion of the Agritech Park has been a slow process due to local funding constraints, but the work of Congressman Downing to secure this funding will launch us forward and allow the completion of necessary shovel ready lots for new and expanding industry here in Cascade County. The path ahead looks bright due to his efforts. Thank you, Congressman Downing.”
See below for a complete list of community project funding initiatives included in H.R. 7148:
Billings Logan International Airport Stormwater Improvements Project
Recipient: City of Billings
Amount: $1,500,000
This project will improve and expand stormwater Pond E at Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) to increase capacity to address additional runoff from newly developed commercial aeronautical areas on the airport.
Certification Letter
Castle Rock Road Paving Completion
Recipient: Rosebud County
Amount: $3,000,000
This project will support completing the paving of an additional four and a half miles of Castle Rock Road in Rosebud County. The county has completed 3 miles of paving for the road. This funding would allow Rosebud County to pave the remaining distance from the conveyor belt under the road to the Area C Rosebud Coal Mine Shop.
Certification Letter
Mary Taylor Main Canal Bifurcation and Hydropower Project
Recipient: Greenfields Irrigation District
Amount: $4,000,000
This request will address aging infrastructure at the Mary Taylor Junction by automating canal gates and installing a hydroelectric unit with a generating capacity of approximately 1.55 megawatts.
Certification Letter
Roadway Extension and Future Major Expansion of Great Falls AgriTech Park
Recipient: Cascade County
Amount: $788,000
This project will support expanding and paving 18th Avenue North within the active Great Falls AgriTech Park, a 422-acre industrial park with 8 existing businesses, full utility infrastructure, and direct rail access. It will extend the existing road to open 611 additional acres for major future expansion.
Certification Letter
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