AGP Executive Report

Energy & Clean Power: Missoula, Missoula County, and Bozeman are drafting voluntary agreements with NorthWestern Energy for its Green Power Program, pending Montana Public Service Commission approval, aiming to let local governments and businesses buy carbon-free power directly. Water & Industry: Pondera County has joined a lawsuit challenging an EPA decision that would exempt part of the Madison Aquifer from protections, allowing Montana Renewables to dispose industrial wastewater in unused wells. Telecom & Infrastructure: Billings residents report damage from fiber optic installations, including cut gas lines and sprinkler lines, as crews expand networks across Yellowstone County. Agriculture & Climate: Drought is drying wells and shrinking options for Montana communities like Fairfield, with drilling and water-rights uncertainty adding pressure. Land & Trust Revenue: Montana’s Land Board approved projects expected to generate about $1.09M for trust beneficiaries, including timber sales, an oil and gas lease sale, and easements. Legal/Policy Watch: The federal government’s final Medicaid work requirement rules are out, with states scrambling to update systems and avoid coverage losses. Local Economy & Jobs: Montana Senator Steve Daines highlighted recent legislative wins, including Secure America Act progress and hydro-related bills moving in committee. Business/Design Spotlight: Bozeman firm Studio Cohab won a national AIA Housing Award for a community-engaged, net-zero neighborhood project.

Bison Grazing Fight: American Prairie and conservation groups have appealed a federal decision ending bison grazing leases on Montana BLM land, a move that halted the group’s harvest program and could affect tribal food sovereignty efforts. Agriculture Innovation: BASF says its new InVigor Gold canola hybrid, InVigor Gold L322, will be available for Montana growers in 2027, aiming to expand canola into hotter, drier conditions. Energy & Costs: Montana gas prices fell for three straight weeks, averaging $4.23 a gallon, down 13.5 cents in a week, though still higher than a year ago. Workforce & Manufacturing: Northwest Nazarene University is joining a regional semiconductor workforce initiative spanning Montana and other states, with funding for student research and a semiconductor camp. Public Lands Access: Critics are pushing back on a Trump plan to open tens of millions of acres of public lands to off-road vehicles, warning of habitat and wildlife impacts. Consumer Protection: Montana’s Department of Justice marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, highlighting scams targeting seniors and urging precautions. Local Industry Spotlight: Spark Children’s Museum reopens in Great Falls with expanded, STEM-focused exhibits designed for accessibility.

Wilderness & Trails: A Wyoming outfitter says trail access is getting worse as dead trees pile up and funding lags, and is pushing the Forest Service to let chainsaws be used in designated wilderness to clear neglected routes. Energy & Permitting: A Western Ag Reporter op-ed argues permitting reform is the bottleneck for expanding energy infrastructure, calling it slow, unpredictable, and too expensive for farms and small businesses. AI & Data Centers: A sharp critique targets the “hyperscale” data-center boom, saying it drains energy and capital while hollowing out jobs elsewhere. Rural Economy: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds Trump’s rural approval hit a new low in his term as gas and grocery costs squeeze voters. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to Class I after possible salmonella contamination tied to a dry milk powder ingredient, reaching food service in 41 states. Montana Business: Janicki Industries plans an $800M advanced manufacturing facility in Great Falls, aiming for 1,000 jobs by 2027. Local Culture: Spark Children’s Museum reopens in downtown Great Falls with expanded, STEM-focused hands-on exhibits. Agriculture: Analysts say Canada’s durum crop may be smaller than forecast as farmers likely shifted acres at seeding time.

Great Falls Museum Reopens: Spark Children’s Museum (formerly Children’s Museum of Montana) is back downtown after a rebrand and months of work, adding hands-on, STEM-focused exhibits with accessibility built in. Food Safety: FDA issued a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce tied to possible salmonella contamination from a dry milk ingredient, reaching food service in 41 states. Medicaid Policy: CMS released final rules for Medicaid work requirements, with states scrambling to update systems ahead of enforcement starting in 2027. Local Business Spotlight: A Montana rancher turned bison shearing into a growing fiber business, selling raw bison fiber and launching products through Ember Heritage. Manufacturing Jobs: Janicki Industries plans an $800M Great Falls manufacturing operation at AgriTech Park, targeting 1,000 jobs over five years. Wildlife Management: A BLM-related change lifts the national ban on M-44 “cyanide bombs” on BLM land via a new MOU, drawing renewed concern from conservation groups. Community & Food Education: Bozeman’s Family Kitchen Lab at the public library is helping families grow and cook food to stretch budgets. Sports/College: Butte High’s Cadence Graham committed to Montana Tech, keeping the father-daughter coaching connection in the Mining City. Science: MSU researchers report a new cellular process for making cysteine that could open doors to future cancer treatments.

Advanced Manufacturing: Janicki Industries plans an $800M Great Falls, Montana manufacturing expansion at AgriTech Park, targeting 1,000 jobs over five years with production starting by end of 2027. Public Lands Funding: Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke joins a push for GAOA 250, a reauthorization that would put $1.9B over five years toward national parks, forests, and other public lands maintenance. Water & Infrastructure: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says a Blackfoot River stretch will close mid-July through fall for bridge repairs, with limited access still available downstream. Food & Community: Bozeman Public Library’s Family Kitchen Lab is helping families grow and cook food to stretch grocery budgets. Local Business & Housing: Grangeville officials say they can’t waive double building permit fees under current code, and discuss options for airport-area city land. Science & Health: Montana State University researchers report a cellular process that can create cysteine when key systems fail, a potential path toward new cancer treatments. Weather & Water Supply: USDA NRCS reports Montana snowpack melted rapidly in May, with many basins now at or below 50% of median. Legal/Policy: Final Medicaid work-requirement rules are out, setting up a Jan. 1, 2027 rollout in most states. Industry Governance: Montana Chamber boards held a spring retreat in Meagher County, including a tour of the Black Butte Copper Mine and planning for Envision 2026. Sports & Talent Pipeline: Butte High guard Cadence Graham commits to Montana Tech, keeping the next step close to home.

Advanced Manufacturing: Janicki Industries plans an $800 million manufacturing expansion in Great Falls, Montana, targeting production by end of 2027 and creating 1,000 jobs over five years. Mining & Permitting: Silver Bow Mining is seeking Montana DEQ approval for exploratory surface drilling and underground mining near Walkerville, with public comment open on a draft environmental assessment. Energy & Safety: Northwestern Energy worker safely rescued after equipment rolled down a steep embankment in Powell County. Water & Outdoors: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will close a stretch of the Blackfoot River for bridge repairs starting mid-July through at least October; small boats can still use downstream access points. Research & Health: Montana State University researchers report a newly discovered cellular system that can produce cysteine when main pathways fail, with potential cancer-treatment implications. Agriculture & Climate: USDA says Montana’s snowpack melted rapidly in May, leaving much of the state at or below 50% of median by June 1. Community & Workforce: Bozeman Public Library launches free summer programs and lunches for kids and adults. Wildlife Tech: A new osprey livestream at Spring Meadow Lake in Helena goes live via a webcam and nesting platform partnership.

PFAS Legal Fight: 3M and DuPont are asking a Montana federal judge to dismiss amended out-of-state PFAS firefighter turnout gear claims, arguing the new plaintiffs lack a Montana connection. Public Lands Funding: Rep. Ryan Zinke is backing GAOA 250, a bill to reauthorize and expand the Great American Outdoors Act with $1.9B over five years for parks, forests, and recreation. Healthcare Oversight: Montana leaders Downing and Auditor James Brown are pushing for stronger state authority over Medicare Advantage enforcement to better protect seniors. Mining & Permitting: Silver Bow Mining seeks DEQ approval for exploratory drilling and underground mining near Walkerville, with an IPO filing underway. Water & Recreation: FWP says a Blackfoot River stretch near I-90 will close for bridge repairs starting mid-July through fall. Research Breakthrough: Montana State researchers report a cellular system that can make cysteine when main pathways fail, with potential cancer-treatment implications. Local Business: The Anaconda Leader newspaper has shut down after 55 years, citing inflation and rising operating costs. Food & Consumer Trends: A WalletHub study ranks Alabama high for fast-food spending burden; plant-based food sales show strong regional momentum, with Montana included in the West’s high repeat rates. Energy & Safety: A Northwestern Energy worker was safely rescued after equipment rolled down an embankment in Powell County. Fishing Tech: Montana’s new TroutCast tool predicts stream conditions and fish population changes, aiming to reshape where anglers go.

Energy & Utilities: Black Hills Corp. filed a Colorado rate review asking for $26.7 million in new annual revenue to recover costs for reliability upgrades for 102,000 customers, with new rates targeted for early 2027. Local Infrastructure & Water: Bozeman residents are digging into the history of Bozeman Creek, now routed through culverts and a 420-foot tunnel under Main Street, as they push to bring the creek back into the downtown story. Agriculture & Animal Health: USDA confirmed new world screwworm has spread further in the U.S., with nine confirmed cases as of June 11 and new interstate animal movement and quarantine requirements tied to Texas infested zones. Public Lands & Conservation: American Prairie and other groups appealed BLM’s decision to cancel bison grazing leases on Montana state/federal parcels, arguing the reversal is political and could harm prairie restoration and tribal food sovereignty. Food & Jobs: Chick-fil-A opened in Butte with 110 jobs and a $25,000 donation to the Montana Food Bank, part of a planned $100,000 statewide total. Wildfire Science: NASA’s ER-2 aircraft, based in Great Falls, will support a wildfire-storm research mission (INSPYRE) to better predict pyrocumulonimbus hazards. Housing Stability: Missoula City Council approved $945,000 in two-year grants for a Pathways to Housing Stability program to help people maintain housing after they move in.

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS issued final rules requiring many Medicaid enrollees to prove they’re working or doing approved activities, with states scrambling to update systems ahead of a Jan. 1, 2027 rollout. Immigration Detention Oversight: A GAO report says mismanagement at an ICE tent facility in Texas led to dangerous conditions, missing records tied to a detainee death, and millions in waste. Bison Grazing Fight: Conservation groups and American Prairie are appealing federal and state actions that ended or paused bison grazing on public and trust lands, setting up more court battles over how bison are treated under grazing law. Education Funding Milestone: Montana topped $1 billion in permanent K-12 support from trust land revenues, boosting long-term, interest-earning funding. Healthcare Workforce: The University of Montana will launch the state’s first public physician associate program this fall after receiving 600+ applications. Energy/Tech in Rural Montana: A proposed data center near Sidney would run on unwanted Bakken natural gas to power on-site crypto mining. Local Industry & Community Events: Butte’s Mining City marks Miners Union Day with free museum access, while Bozeman’s Alpenglow Festival announced Eli Young Band as a major 2026 headliner.

Immigration & Oversight: A new GAO report blasts how ICE managed Camp East Montana, citing “millions of dollars of waste,” weak security planning, and gaps in medical services. Healthcare Policy: A Montana-focused op-ed argues states can’t adequately enforce Medicare Advantage rules, calling for stronger accountability so seniors aren’t stuck in delays. Agriculture: USDA says the U.S. wheat harvest is moving ahead despite rain slowdowns in parts of the Plains, with Montana facing weather-related crop stress. Local Business & Retail: Missoula’s Heelside Boards is preparing to open with a dedicated lineup for wake surfing, kiteboarding, and hydro foiling. Food Manufacturing: A Conrad rancher is building a small-scale facility to turn Montana-raised beef and lamb into shelf-stable meals. Housing Development: Kalispell’s planning commission reviewed a proposed 95-home Habitat for Humanity-led affordable development off the U.S. 93 bypass. Energy & Environment: A petition to review challenges EPA-approved Class V injection permits tied to a Montana Renewables refinery in Pondera County. Construction & Design: EastCoast MuralPros launched an AIA-accredited course on direct-to-wall printing, pushing a more sustainable alternative to vinyl graphics. Finance Deal: D.A. Davidson advised on the sale of Mechanical Service & Systems to PremiStar.

Mining & Jobs: Stillwater Mine in Columbus is rehiring, adding 150 workers over the past year after 2024 layoffs, with recovery tied to palladium prices and some areas still in maintenance mode. Energy & Permitting: Montana DEQ approved exploratory drilling for Sentinel Metals’ Columbia Gold and Silver Project in the Upper Blackfoot Valley, clearing 21 new holes after thousands of public comments. Forestry Policy: A Senate move could rescind Montana’s roadless protections on about 6 million acres, setting up a fight between wildfire-management flexibility and habitat concerns. Local Industry Standards: A Billings private investigator is forming a statewide association to raise hiring and training standards beyond state licensing. Data Centers & Power: A Billings Gazette report says a proposed Broadview data center would rely heavily on gas generation, despite earlier renewable-focused messaging. Public Safety & Oversight: A GAO report on Camp East Montana in Texas alleges wasted millions, security failures, and medical problems tied to a rushed opening. Community & Growth: Polson’s city commission advanced housing-related subdivision approvals while residents raised traffic and infrastructure concerns. Agriculture & Community: Master Gardeners in the Mission Valley planted native flowers and vegetables in Polson, expanding volunteer projects with local partners. Food Supply Watch: FDA recall updates expand a Go Raw LLC pet food recall in Montana over potentially low thiamine levels. Retail Expansion: Chick-fil-A is set to open in Butte June 11, bringing 110 jobs.

Immigration Oversight: A new GAO watchdog report says ICE’s Camp East Montana in Texas lost a loaded gun, mishandled detainee medical needs, and destroyed or lost evidence tied to a death investigation—while wasting millions on meals and operations billed at full capacity. Montana Energy & Mining: Montana DEQ approved Sentinel Metals’ amended gold exploration license for the Columbia Gold Project near Lincoln, allowing up to 21 core-drill holes over six to eight weeks with reclamation required within two years. Wildfire Policy Clash: ProPublica reports Sen. Tim Sheehy pushed to cut Forest Service firefighting aircraft inspections even as a Forest Service inspector found a crack in a Bridger Aerospace aircraft wing the same month. Rangeland Management: BLM’s proposed grazing overhaul would give ranchers more flexibility, but conservation groups warn it could harm habitat and push elk off public range. Tourism & Travel: Flathead Valley tourism is up this spring, with Kalispell hotel occupancy and revenue rising year-over-year. Local Infrastructure: MECA says Lakeside County’s wastewater upgrades would boost treatment and protect Flathead Lake and groundwater. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy price checks show Montana fuel staying volatile, with multiple counties reporting lowest-in-state regular, midgrade, and diesel deals for the week ending May 30.

Housing & Planning: Kalispell City Council advanced two housing moves—an affordable housing advisory board (with a future vote) and design standards for development along the Parkline Trail—while discussion on city-owned property and short-term rentals was postponed. Roads & Construction: MDT and Schellinger Construction are set to start a Stanton–Essex U.S. 2 pavement preservation project near Essex, with about 12 miles of work, single-lane closures, and roughly six months of daytime construction. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports show Montana’s regular gas averaging about $4.56 for the week ending May 30, with local lows like $4.40 in Chouteau County and $4.46 in Blaine County; premium and diesel prices also varied by county. Wildlife & Agriculture: Montana expanded its “Roosters for Retention” pheasant-raising program to Pine Hills Correctional Facility in Miles City, adding 1,000 roosters and more inmate job training tied to youth hunting goals. Public Health & Safety: Wildfire Smoke Ready Week in Montana urged residents to protect against PM2.5, recommending HEPA filters or MERV 13+ DIY box fans and noting cost help via rebates. Civic Participation: Montana’s June primary drew a record 300,000+ raw votes statewide, the highest midterm primary total on record, even as turnout as a share of registered voters continues to dip. Corrections Oversight: A GAO report on Texas’ Camp East Montana says the rushed detention center opening led to millions in waste and major safety and medical failures.

Immigration Detention Oversight: A new GAO report says the Camp East Montana detention center in Texas was rushed into operation, failed to meet basic standards, and contributed to preventable deaths—citing missing use-of-force/death reporting, inadequate medical care, unsanitary conditions, and wasted tens of millions in taxpayer dollars. Local Infrastructure & Construction: Missoula is gearing up for more summer disruption, with a chip-seal project on Reserve Street and a major South 14th Street water main replacement starting June 15 and expected to last about 10 weeks. Agriculture & Education: UW Extension hired Erik Bailly as an agriculture and natural resources educator for Sublette County, bringing BLM rangeland experience and a Montana State University environmental science background. Pet Food Safety: FDA expanded a recall of freeze-dried and frozen raw pet foods from GO Raw LLC after thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiencies were found; additional products were added to the list. Montana Business & Community: The Montana Agribusiness Foundation named its 2026 scholarship recipients, backing students tied to agriculture and rural industry. Energy & Land Use: Dawson County voters approved a 250-foot height limit that effectively blocks large industrial wind turbines, underscoring the push for local control over renewable projects.

Manufacturing Jobs: Janicki Industries is moving forward on an $800M Great Falls manufacturing campus, targeting 1,000 jobs in five years and 2,000+ after buildout, with residents weighing economic upside against housing pressure. Mining & Energy Minerals: Red Mountain Mining says it has confirmed outcropping garnet skarn at its Pioneer tungsten project and submitted 24 rock chips for tungsten assays, with magnetic modeling pointing to drillable subsurface extensions. Livestock & Biosecurity: Montana’s Department of Livestock issued an emergency order restricting animal imports tied to New World screwworm confirmed in Texas, requiring permits, inspections, and treatment before entry. Local Economy: Montana labor data shows more businesses opening than closing and steady long-term survival, though staffing and cost pressures remain a concern for downtown operators. Transportation Infrastructure: MDT plans a 12-mile U.S. Highway 2 pavement preservation project near Essex, including milling, chip seal, rumble strips, bridge repairs, and guardrail upgrades. Public Lands & Grazing: Western Watersheds Project appealed BLM’s decision to revoke American Prairie’s bison grazing permits in northeastern Montana, arguing the agency changed standards without a clear legal basis. Food & Farm Tourism: Missoula-based Farm Connect Montana launched the Western Montana Food and Farm Trail, linking 80+ farms, restaurants, and breweries across 200+ miles of Highway 93. Antitrust: Nevada AG Aaron Ford joined a coalition filing an amicus brief opposing a court ruling in the Meta FTC monopolization case. SNAP Rules: More states, including Montana, are moving to restrict SNAP purchases of non-nutritious items like soda and candy, with implementation dates rolling through 2026 and beyond. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reported Montana diesel and regular prices easing in the week ending May 30, with multiple counties posting their lowest local diesel or regular rates.

Workforce & Training: The U.S. Department of Education named Montana a semifinalist for the Connecting Talent to Opportunity Challenge, aiming to build state “Talent Marketplaces” that link workers with education and jobs. Federal Land Management: Forest Service employees are challenging a proposed agency shakeup, warning Montana could see more than 500 staff affected and that the disruption may be far bigger than officials predicted. Public Lands & Grazing: Conservation groups are appealing the BLM’s decision to evict 940 bison from Montana public lands, arguing the move reverses prior approvals for political reasons. Drones & Manufacturing: Mobix Labs signed a binding letter of intent to acquire Montana-based Vision Aerial, positioning the company to expand into U.S. drone manufacturing for defense, public safety, and industrial use. Healthcare Access: A $3.2 million grant launched a Civica Rural Hospital Program to pool rural hospital purchasing power for cheaper generics and help reduce drug shortages. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports Montana gasoline prices fell week-over-week, with Missoula seeing drops and statewide averages easing after recent increases. Local Community: Bozeman is set to open the I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park this summer, honoring a longtime Korean heritage business owner and city leader. Business & Consumer: Walmart shoppers can still file claims for an $87.5 million beef price-fixing settlement tied to major meatpackers.