Congressman Denny Rehberg

Public meetings scheduled for Yellowstone, Carbon, Rosebud & Prairie Counties

WASHINGTON, D.C. -– Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has scheduled four more Listening Sessions in Montana.  This continues his open-door policy of holding open meetings where anyone can attend and Rehberg takes comments and questions from all comers.

“Government transparency is only useful if it’s coupled with accountability,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “It’s easy to sit behind a desk in Washington and wait for the phone to ring, and that’s what some of my colleagues have decided to do.  But I made a commitment years ago to visit each of Montana’s 56 counties each Congress, to listen and learn what the people I represent think about where our country is headed.  In turn, my actions are framed by the input I receive from thousands of Montanans who attend the listening sessions.  That’s why I voted against Obama’s takeover of health care and against every single bailout including the biggest bailout of them all, the ‘so-called’ stimulus. ”

Rehberg scheduled the following Listening Sessions between July 24 and July 25, 2010:

Yellowstone County—Billings
Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 12 PM
MSU-Billings Student Union, Lewis and Clark Room
1500 University Drive

Carbon County—Red Lodge
Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 3 PM
New Roosevelt Middle School
413 South Oaks

Rosebud County—Forsyth
Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 1 PM
Fair Office Conference Room
513 North 16th Street

Prairie County—Terry
Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 3:30 PM
Badlands Café and Scoop Shoppe
205 S. Logan  Avenue

Young Artists from Whitefish and Geraldine Also Honored

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced that Paige Ward, from Libby High School, has been selected as the grand prize winner of Montana’s Congressional Art Competition for 2010.  Rehberg will join Ward in a Capitol Hill ceremony where her artwork will be unveiled and displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel along with the artwork of winners from other congressional districts.  The Cannon Tunnel is a pedestrian walkway, leading to the United States Capitol building, frequented by Members of Congress, staff, and the general public.

“With this year’s batch of exceptional artwork from around Montana, picking a winner was harder than ever,” said Rehberg.  “Hosting the Congressional Art Contest is a pleasure to judge each year.  I look forward to seeing Paige’s beautiful picture on the walls of the Cannon Tunnel.”

Paige Ward’s “Silent Helper”

Ward is a senior at Libby High School.  Her artwork was selected from among the entries submitted from all across Montana in the Congressional Art Competition, a U.S. House of Representatives art competition which has been held annually since 1982.  Ward’s digital photograph is entitled “Silent Helper,” and depicts a bee on a flower.  The image was made for an assignment in a Beginners Photography class at Libby High School.

“As an artist going to college next fall and majoring in Photography, I am very pleased to add this accomplishment to my applications and awards in the future,” said Ward.  “Winning this competition helped me realize that even a simple girl from the Middle of Nowhere, Montana can achieve her dreams. I hope this is just the start of many great accomplishments in my photographic career.  I just want to say that I am thrilled with this opportunity and could not hold in my enthusiasm when I heard I won! I was shocked and leaped in the air when Ms. Rambo told me! I couldn’t believe it!”

Ward’s artwork was also the top choice in public voting via the social networking website Facebook.  Rehberg posted all entries online for public review and voting to help select the finalists.  As the grand prize winner, she received airfare for her and a guest to attend the artwork’s unveiling ceremony in Washington D.C.  She’ll also receive a $1,000 art scholarship offer from the University of Montana.  Paige is the daughter of Steve and Sydney Ward of Libby.  Patty Rambo was Ward’s art teacher at Libby High School.

In addition to the grand prize winner, Rehberg also recognized Katie McGunagle, a senior from Whitefish High School for her oil painting, “At Water’s Edge” and Zac Danbrook a junior from Geraldine High School for his photograph, “Wheat.”  Their artwork will be featured in Rehberg’s Washington D.C. office.  Their art teachers are Lonnie Collinsworth and Raeann Meeks, respectively.

   
“Wheat” by Zach Danbrook and “At Water’s Edge” by Katie McGunagle

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today released the following statement following the failure of Bureau of Indian Affairs to formally recognize the Little Shell Tribe in Montana. In 1978, the Little Shell Tribe filed a Federal Recognition petition with the Department of Interior. Nine years ago, the state of Montana formally recognized the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Since that time, Rehberg has worked across the aisle with Montana’s Democrat Senators, introducing the bill in two Congresses, to push the federal designation through at the federal level.

“Although this decision is disappointing, it’s hardly surprising from a federal agency that’s procrastinated for more than 30 years. This decision makes it all the more important to pass my legislation which would circumvent this red-tape once and for all and secure the Little Shell the recognition they have in Montana for almost a decade.”

GREAT FALLS, MT. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today praised the groundbreaking of PPL’s $230 million upgrade of Rainbow Dam, six miles northeast of Great Falls. The 2 ½ year construction project will employ about 200 people and improve energy output and fish migration at the 99-year old dam.

“I commend PPL’s efforts to improve Rainbow Dam by increasing its generating capacity and improving conditions for migrating fish,” stated Rehberg, a member of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee. “In addition to responsibly developing our hydroelectric resources, projects like this provide much-needed jobs, and infrastructure provides long-term economic growth.”

When completed, Rainbow dam will produce 64 megawatts of electricity from a single turbine, housed in a new powerhouse to be built 200 feet downstream from the existing powerhouse, which contains eight turbines that produce 34 megawatts. PPL officials believe fish mortality rates through the upgraded project will improve by 95 percent.

“For years, I’ve advocated for comprehensive energy reforms that promote the use of hydroelectric power and other renewable forms of energy, including wind, geothermal and solar,” Rehberg stated in his letter read during the project’s ground-breaking on Thursday. “As a member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ll continue to encourage the development of Montana’s energy industry.”

LETTER:

October 15, 2009

Rainbow Dam
PPL Montana
336 Rainbow Dam Road
Great Falls, Montana 59404

Dear Friends:

It’s a privilege to send my greetings as PPL Montana breaks ground on its Rainbow Dam upgrade project.

I commend PPL’s efforts to improve Rainbow Dam by increasing its generating capacity and improving conditions for migrating fish. In addition to responsibly developing our hydroelectric resources, projects like this provide much-needed jobs and infrastructure for future generations of Montanans.

Clean energy affords practical ways for Montana families, communities and utilities to save money by becoming more energy-efficient. For years, I’ve advocated for comprehensive energy reforms that promote the use of hydroelectric power and other renewable forms of energy, including wind, geothermal and solar. As a member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ll continue to encourage the development of Montana’s energy industry.

I look forward to congratulating you upon completion of this exciting project, and please don’t hesitate to contact my office if I can ever be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Denny Rehberg
Montana’s Congressman

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today voted in support of passage of the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. Rehberg is a member of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee.

“So much of Montana’s economy and quality of life depends upon energy production and clean drinking water,” said Rehberg. “Serving on the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee gives Montana a pretty big seat at the table when it comes to funding these priorities.”

The projects are listed below:

Rocky Boy/North Central Montana Water Project - $9 Million

The Rocky Boy’s/North Central Water Project is a municipal, rural and industrial water system proposed for an eight county area in north central Montana. It will serve the Rocky Boy’s Reservation and thirteen surrounding communities through a partnership between Montana’s Chippewa Cree Tribe and its non-Tribal Partners in the North Central Montana Regional Water Authority. Poor quality drinking water, major water supply constraints and the high costs for compliance with federal Safe Drinking Water Act regulations established a critical need for funding this project. In fact, some of the affected communities are already under federal mandate to improve their drinking water systems and others are on boil orders. The North Central Water Project will deliver water to roughly 30,000 Montanans. The project will also provide infrastructure to pipe water to the Rocky Boy’s Reservation.

“The Authority can’t thank Congressman Rehberg enough for his hard work on the Appropriations Committee and the fact that he again secured federal dollars for the construction of the Rocky Boy’s/North Central Montana Regional Water System,” said Dan Keil, Chairman, North Central Montana Regional Water Authority. “Congressman Rehberg knows that many of the 23 communities that make up the North Central Montana Regional Water Authority need immediate help for their water systems and we are appreciative of his efforts to get this System built. Someday this water project will deliver clean and safe drinking water to over 30,000 Montanans who desperately need it.”

Fort Peck/Dry Prairie Water Project - $8 Million

The funds will be used by the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes to complete their regional water treatment plant and extend the main transmission pipelines to Poplar and Wolf Point. Treated water that reaches Poplar will serve the third largest community in the project and replace existing water supplies threatened by Brine Plume contamination. The Project, as authorized by Congress in 2000, calls for the water to be diverted from the Missouri River at a single location south of Poplar, MT, to an intake system or an infiltration gallery. After treatment, it will serve both tribal and off-reservation communities that desperately need a clean water supply.

“Fort Peck/Dry Prairie is grateful for the FY 2010 funding mark supplied by Rep. Rehberg through his continued efforts as a member of the House Appropriations Committee on Energy and Water,” said Clint Jacobs, General Manager for Dry Prairie. “The bulk of these funds will be applied toward completion of the main distribution pipelines from the project’s water treatment plant to the communities of Wolf Point and Poplar.”

Milk River/St. Mary Diversion Rehabilitation - $3.5 Million

The St. Mary Rehabilitation Project serves the entire Milk River Basin with both irrigation and clean drinking water. Over 100 years ago, the United States government recognized the benefit of agriculture production in the region between western Glacier County and the lower Milk River after which the Bureau of Reclamation made significant investments in infrastructure along the St. Mary and Milk River Basins. However, 100 years have taken a toll on these facilities and the diversion is in serious need of modernization and rehabilitation.

“To say we’re elated is an understatement for what Congressman Rehberg has done for our efforts to keep the Saint Mary Diversion System operational,” said Larry Mires, Executive Director for the Saint Mary Rehabilitation Working Group. “It’s been a long journey and this appropriation means we can continue to assure irrigation for 140,000 acres of land and clean water for 18,000 people in the 13 communities of the Milk River Basin. This project is the lifeline of the hi-line.”

Center for Zero Emissions Research & Technology - $3 Million

In a coal producing state like Montana, the ability to monitor and validate deep geological carbon dioxide sequestration from coal is extremely important. New technologies hold great promise to significantly reduce emissions from fossil fuels, but the engineering, economic, and environmental viability of these zero emission fossil energy technologies must be confirmed.

“The continued funding resulting from Congressman Rehberg’s support for the Zero Emissions Research and Technology Center (ZERT) will allow us to continue development of key tools that benefit the carbon sequestration program,” said Lee Spangler, Director of the Energy Research Institute and ZERT at Montana State University. “This includes development and testing of new detection technologies, improved simulation models, and biologically based methods of plugging leaky wells. It also helps Montana State continue a leadership role in carbon sequestration.”

Sythesis of Renewable Biofuels from Biomass - $500,000

With these funds, the Montana Physical Sciences Foundation will work for the Department of Energy to develop technology to convert sources of rural biomass like wheat straw, wood and grass into renewable biofuel. Montana currently has 3 million tons of waste wheat straw and 2.8 million tons of wood mill waste and logging residue, which could be converted into approximately 1,044 million gallons of biofuel each year. Such technology would be scaled for location within the rural communities, at the source of the feedstock, creating locally-based jobs for rural Montanans.

“Thanks to Denny, this project will help develop advanced, renewable biofuels that will provide immediate research jobs as well as lead to new technologies that will help expand the alternative energy market right here in Montana,” said Lawrence C. Farrar, President of Resodyn Corporation. “This funding is an example of Denny’s vision and commitment to the importance of a diversified domestic energy portfolio in Montana. He also understands how to get the most out of Montana’s resources - both natural and human. We are looking forward to undertaking the project and greatly appreciate the support of our Montana delegation.”

Geothermal Development in Hot Springs Valley - $491,000

Hydrologists believe that a water source at the Lake County hot springs may be hot enough deep in the earth for geothermal power production. Geothermal energy is power extracted from heat stored in the earth. It’s an important, renewable source of energy that can be produced domestically. While cost-effective and environmentally friendly, it can only be tapped in very specific locations, which makes it important to locate hot spots.

“The Hot Springs area in Lake County, Montana is a proven source for geothermal. Shallow wells indicate that the source goes deeper,” said Kenneth Sugden, General Manager for Flathead Electric Cooperative. “This project will allow Flathead Electric to continue drilling in shallow wells to verify the potential source of development. Geothermal power is a valuable source of distributed, renewable power for the area.”

Yellowstone River Corridor - $519,000

The Yellowstone River Study is a grassroots project defining cumulative effects to the river and establishing the best management practices that local governments and private landowners can implement. The purpose of the project is to improve management of the Yellowstone River including both the waters and adjacent lands. The project assists with the removal of invasive plants such as the Russian olive and is a catalyst for fish passage projects and helps to improve irrigation infrastructures for endangered species like the pallid sturgeon. Additionally the Yellowstone River Corridor project considers how far the Yellowstone River channel is likely to migrate in the next 50 years so future species protection and irrigation infrastructure that involves higher costs will provide better planning. It is proving to be a model for economic sustainability while providing sensible environmental protection, eliminating costly spending on litigation and controversy.

“The Yellowstone River Conservation District Council would like to thank Congressman Denny Rehberg for his support of the Yellowstone River Corridor Comprehensive Study,” said Nicole McClain, Coordinator of the Yellowstone River Conservation District Council. “The $200,000 will help complete the decade long study of the entire Yellowstone River system, which is aimed at developing the first citizen-based voluntary management plan on a river system of such national importance. We hope this study will serve as a model that demonstrates how to maintain and improve the health of river systems while simultaneously enhancing productivity.”

Rural Montana Water Projects - $4,844,000

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, convinced the House Committee on Natural Resources to hold a legislative hearing on his efforts to acquire federal recognition for the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe. Rehberg has introduced legislation to recognize the Tribe in each of the last two Congresses.

“Since April 28, 1978, The Little Shell have wrestled with Washington bureaucrats to get well-deserved federal recognition,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “After more than 31 years, it’s become evident the normal channels aren’t cutting it. Justice delayed is justice denied, and I’m working to find a faster legislative fix. This hearing is great news and is an important step toward recognition.”

The Little Shell Tribe is made up of approximately 4,300 members, mostly in the Great Falls area. In 2000, the same year the tribe was recognized by the state of Montana, the Department of Interior issued a positive finding for the tribe making them eligible for recognition. Since then, little progress has been made due to bureaucratic obstacles. Rehberg’s bill expedites recognition through the legislative process.

“The Tribe appreciates Congressman Rehberg’s support over the years in our efforts to regain federal recognition,” said Little Shell Executive Director Russell Boham. “The State of Montana and Montana’s other tribal nations recognize the Little Shell. It is time that the federal government also extend official recognition. What recognition means for us, in a word, is hope. Hope for the future. Hope that access to federal programs can improve our communities and that self-determination can really mean self-sufficiency for our Little Shell families.”

“I’ll keep doing whatever it takes because it’s well past time to get this done,” said Rehberg. “These Montanans deserve our attention before another generation of the Little Shell Tribe members goes unrecognized.”