Congressman Denny Rehberg

Up to $2 million Will be Spent This Year on Repairs

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, received assurances from the administrator of the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA), Jay Richard Capka, today that the Going-to-the-Sun Road will receive between $1.5 million and $2 million in emergency funding this year to repair damage caused by recent flooding.

“This is big news for one of Montana’s most treasured roads,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “We reached out to Administrator Capka and were able to get something positive done quickly for Montana.  This immediate funding is critical because we expect that more will be needed next year.  In fact, we’re already talking with FHWA about 2007 funding for Going-to-the-Sun Road.”

Recent flooding washed out large portions of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier and the onset of winter conditions has made assessing the total damages difficult.  It is estimated that over $4 million may be needed to fully repair the road.  The National Park Service is currently incurring the cost of the repairs, but Rehberg’s work will ensure full reimbursement to them from FHWA.

“We’ve got several options for how we can make sure this funding goes through and the job gets completed,” added Rehberg.  “At the end of the day, this isn’t about who gets the credit, it’s about restoring one of the most historic roads in the United States.”

Earlier this year, Rehberg fought to restore $50 million in funding for Going-to-the-Sun Road after Senate errors put the money in jeopardy of being eliminated.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is leading a bipartisan coalition of House members from Northwestern states to prevent the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from including provisions in its 2008 budget that would require the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to raise the rates it charges for electricity.  A rate increase would impact 400,000 Montanans that rely on BPA for their power.

“Fighting to keep BPA’s rates fair and reasonable has become an ongoing battle in Congress,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “This is just another example of government bureaucracy not understanding the needs of western states.  For the fourth time in a year, we’re working to prevent a rate increase and I believe we’ll be successful once again.”

Proposals by OMB include a requirement mandating BPA sell its power to consumers and businesses at market-based rates and an accelerated debt payment plan for BPA, both of which would lead to rate increases.  OMB is also proposing a change to accounting methods BPA uses for financing and loans, which would limit BPA’s ability to seek additional financing and make capital investments.

“Plain and simple these proposals will result in rate hikes for Montana families and businesses,” added Rehberg.  “Ultimately, we need to protect those Montanans that rely on the BPA and we’re going to do that.”

BPA supplies 40 percent of the power used in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.  Rehberg is one of 18 members from those states attempting to block OMB’s proposals.