by Wayne Adair, Hamilton
When I read the recent good news about the planned repaving of Ricketts Road just west of Hamilton, I felt like celebrating. As a 24-year resident there, I know it to be equal parts pavement, potholes, and patches. I read the article for details so I would know who to thank.
The news story credited Rep. Ryan Zinke. His accompanying photo seemed to confirm this claim.
But that didn’t sound right to me. Most Republicans care more about tax cuts for billionaires than the welfare – and automotive suspension systems – of ordinary folks like me.
For clarification, I emailed County Commissioner Jeff Burrows. He confirmed that Rep. Zinke was instrumental in securing the funding via the Consolidated Appropriations Act.
Anybody with a basic understanding of Congressional processes knows the tangled funding procedures in Washington would put your average Gordian Knot to shame. A little research revealed that a Consolidation Appropriations Act is housekeeping legislation to bundle and distribute previously allocated funds.
Put simply, Ryan Zinke delivered the check but did nothing to ensure funds were available to cover it.
So here I am back to my original question: Who should I thank for funding this important infrastructure project?
My gratitude goes to Joe Biden, Sen. Jon Tester, the only Montana lawmaker to vote for the funding bill, Democrats, and dozens of Republicans who understand the importance of local projects. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law in Nov. 2021 when Zinke wasn’t in Congress, having been forced from his Secretary of the Interior position by Donald Trump. This bipartisan legislation provided at least $3.8 billion specifically for Montana to improve roads, bridges, water systems, Native American communities, high-speed internet infrastructure and other projects.
But our county commissioners deserve recognition. The $1 million check Zinke delivered was $300,000 short of funding the entire project. Commissioners promised to cover the deficiency, and on behalf of all of us who live along or travel on Ricketts Road, many thanks.
And Ryan Zinke? Thanks for next to nothing, pal.