AGP Executive Report

Montana Passenger Rail: Montana’s Corridor Identification and Development Program for Chicago-to-Seattle passenger rail is 95% complete, but FRA review is paused pending policy updates, pushing the next steps into October. Energy & Rates: NorthWestern Energy’s power plan is being challenged as “deficient” by an independent review, while PSC scrutiny continues as customers report significant bill increases. Affordable Housing: Construction has started on Miles City’s Saddlehorn Apartments, a 30-unit project funded with Montana low-income housing tax credits and expected to finish in 10–12 months. Agriculture & Food Supply: Constellation Brands will invest $100M over five years to boost U.S. farmer profitability, including purchases from Montana barley and hops growers. Public Health: The FDA upgraded a pistachio butter recall to Class I, warning it “could cause serious illness or death” due to possible salmonella contamination. Water Quality: A water pollution study for the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed is nearing its final stage, aiming to clarify sources and impacts across the U.S.-Canada border. Local Infrastructure: Kalispell’s Northwest Montana Fairgrounds grandstands may face major reconstruction as moisture issues and rising maintenance costs mount.

Passenger Rail: Montana’s Big Sky North Coast Corridor passenger rail “corridor ID” work is 95% complete, but FRA legal review is paused pending policy updates, with changes possible in October. Energy Oversight: NorthWestern Energy’s 20-year power plan was found deficient by an independent review, pushing the Montana Public Service Commission to send it back for fixes. Electric Bills: Montana-Dakota Utilities got a temporary rate increase approved by regulators, with an average residential customer facing about $13 more per month starting Sept. 1. Agriculture & Food Supply: Constellation Brands will invest $100M over five years to boost U.S. farmer profitability, including purchases from Montana growers. Beef Trade Tensions: Trump’s tariff-free beef import plan is drawing fire from Montana ranchers and farm groups, who warn it could undercut domestic markets. Public Lands: The Trump administration’s roadless rule rollback is framed as a threat to millions of acres and hundreds of threatened species. Local Agriculture Events: Missoula’s Bike to Barns fundraiser returns for its eighth year to support local farmers. Community & Infrastructure: Billings Public Works says its more conversational Facebook strategy helped residents better understand city services.

Agriculture & Water Stress: Drought is worsening across Montana, with Drought.gov showing more than half the state in drought and USDA reporting only 13% of topsoil moisture as “adequate,” pushing ranchers and farmers toward tough winter feed decisions and a possible state emergency declaration. Public Works & Local Economy: Wibaux is set to celebrate the restored Florence Stacey Memorial Fountain at Wibaux Park on Sept. 4, after a multi-year refurbishment by Diamond J Construction funded largely through a Montana Department of Commerce grant. Healthcare Costs: Montana psychiatric and addiction providers say Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana is downcoding evaluation and management services, cutting reimbursement and increasing appeal workload. Farm Labor Rules: A federal court ordered the U.S. Department of Labor to redo the methodology for H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates, creating uncertainty for Montana agricultural employers. Beef Market Shock: Montana ranchers react to Trump’s 90-day, tariff-free increase in imported ground beef trimmings, saying it hits at the worst time amid drought-driven cattle marketing. Energy & Policy: Montana lawmakers advanced a bill to ban psychoactive kratom derivatives while industry groups push for regulation instead. Environment & Infrastructure: The Markley Bridge (“Green Bridge”) in Gallatin Canyon has reopened after a Great American Outdoors Act-funded replacement, with parking and trail improvements included. Legal & Consumer Protection: Montana is among states in a landmark multistate Meta settlement over youth safety and addictive design, with Montana guaranteed tens of millions.

Public Lands & Forestry: The U.S. Forest Service moved to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a change critics say could accelerate extinction of 400 endangered species and open millions of acres to roads, drilling, and logging—prompting Montana hunters and anglers to urge public comment. Montana Energy & Mining: Stillwater Critical Minerals reported a major jump in its Stillwater West resource, expanding inferred tonnage to 805.1 million tonnes and adding an indicated resource, while Mercuria and Continental Resources outlined a 50-50 Vaca Muerta shale joint venture. Local Business & Manufacturing: Ironwood’s Stormy Kromer is expanding its collegiate hat line as it works to grow beyond seasonal demand, and Montana’s firearms industry drew an ATF director visit across the state. Health & Courts: A judge halted a proposed state mental health facility near Laurel pending a revised environmental review focused on water impacts. Agriculture & Livestock: Montana Stockgrowers Association announced Producer Profitability Initiative roadshow dates, and ranchers criticized Trump’s beef import/tariff moves. Workforce & Contracting: CSKT and MDT will host a free DBE 101 workshop Sept. 10 for businesses seeking to bid on transportation projects. Consumer & Food Safety: FDA upgraded a pistachio nut butter recall to Class I after Salmonella findings, including distribution to Montana.

Urban Forestry Funding: Montana DNRC launched a $5 million urban and community forestry grant, aiming to plant 100,000 trees statewide, with awards up to $300,000 for cities, schools, nonprofits, tribes and more. Energy Oversight: The Montana Public Service Commission is investigating a “significant increase” in some NorthWestern Energy bills after hundreds of customer complaints, asking residents to submit bill copies and account details. Rail & Tourism: Sen. Tim Sheehy joined Western leaders at the Greater Northwest Rail Summit, backing passenger rail planning that could revive parts of the North Coast Hiawatha corridor with possible stops in Montana. Mental Health Facility Halted: A Yellowstone County judge stopped on-site work on the proposed Laurel forensic mental health facility due to water concerns, requiring a new environmental assessment and public comment. Construction Contract: Prairie County’s Milwaukee Bridge rehab is moving forward after a 9-bid process, with Cerka Inc. winning the $8.54M project. Agriculture Watch: Montana Extension flagged new Palmer amaranth detection in Cascade County and urged field scouting to prevent spread. Public Health: Walmart recalled Bettergoods pistachio nut butter in 19 states, including Montana, after Salmonella contamination; the FDA classified it as a Class I recall. Data Center Debate: Butte is again in the national spotlight as a Washington Post op-ed points to Superfund and contaminated industrial sites as potential data center locations.

AI & Connectivity: Vision Net launched Montana’s “AI-Ready” Discovery Network, a 163-mile, 800 Gbps corridor linking Billings and Bozeman with a $42M investment aimed at moving large AI datasets. Energy & Oil/Gas: Callan Power agreed to buy Williston Basin non-operated oil and gas assets tied to 377 producing wells, expanding its Montana/North Dakota footprint ahead of an expected Oct. 1 close. Agriculture: Northern Plains spring wheat harvest is moving fast, with USDA reporting 62% harvested by Aug. 23 and early quality tests pointing to strong protein and milling traits. Beef & Trade: Montana ranchers and lawmakers are pushing back on Trump’s plan to import 300,000 metric tons of ground beef tariff-free for 90 days, while officials still won’t say where the beef will come from. Public Lands: The U.S. moves to repeal the Roadless Rule, drawing renewed alarm from Montanans who say it would cut stream protections and drinking-water safeguards. Tech/Business: Culpeo lined up access for maiden copper-gold drilling at Vista Montana in Chile, while Montana’s seed-saving workshop in Billings highlights local ag know-how. Education & Community: Montana Tech welcomed about 700 new students to Butte as the fall semester begins, and Park City Schools reopened its repaired gym while working through a crosswalk code issue.

Passenger Rail Push: Sen. Tim Sheehy says federal changes could remove local match requirements for long-distance passenger rail planning, boosting Montana’s Big Sky North Coast Corridor effort. Higher Ed & Workforce Pipeline: Montana Tech in Butte welcomes about 700 new students, a near-term boost for local businesses. Energy Policy: Gov. Gianforte delivers the final Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force report, calling for utility regulation reform and grid/infrastructure upgrades. Utilities Costs: North Dakota regulators approve a short-term electric rate hike for Montana-Dakota Utilities customers while a bigger case heads toward 2027. Public Lands Fight: A Montana GOP candidate backs rescinding the Roadless Rule, arguing it would expand industry and firefighting capacity—while conservation groups warn of wildfire and habitat impacts. Beef Tariff Backlash: Ranchers and Montana’s cattle groups criticize Trump’s plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef at discounted prices, saying details are unclear and producers will absorb the hit. Tech & Youth Safety: Meta reaches a multistate settlement worth about $17.1B, including major Instagram/Facebook safety rules for under-18 users; Montana is set to receive up to $127M. Local Infrastructure: MDT reports progress on the U.S. 89 Choteau South project, with paving slated for mid-September. Tourism & Community Projects: Choteau’s Port Authority tracks progress on Pilot Community Tourism grant projects, aiming to extend visitor stays.

Beef Imports Fight: Montana Farmers Union says consumers must get country-of-origin labeling as Trump moves to temporarily allow up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef imports at reduced tariffs—sparking pushback from ranchers and even some GOP lawmakers, including Sen. Tim Sheehy. Energy Policy: Montana’s Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force released 20 recommendations, including reforming the Public Service Commission and removing “roadblocks” to nuclear and geothermal while expanding Montana’s voice in regional energy decisions. Wildfire Readiness: Fergus County will enter Stage 1 fire restrictions Saturday night, tightening rules on smaller burns and campfires as conditions stay dry. Public Safety & Industry: ATF director Robert Cekada toured Helena firearms manufacturer Olympus Arms with Montana AG Austin Knudsen, highlighting Montana’s role in weapons innovation. Mining Update: U.S. Antimony says it’s accelerating antimony ore hauling at Stibnite Hill, moving more ore per day than last year. Local Business & Talent: Whitefish Songwriter Festival named finalists for a new songwriting contest with multiple Montana entrants, set to perform Sept. 18.

Energy Policy: Montana’s “Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force” says the state is at an “energy crossroads” and released 20 recommendations, including reforming the Montana Public Service Commission, boosting transmission and production investment, and removing “roadblocks” to geothermal and nuclear—while also weighing how power planning should handle big loads like data centers. Forest & Wildfire Management: A federal court cleared the way for the U.S. Forest Service to move forward with the Gold Butterfly Project in the Bitterroot National Forest, allowing about 5,300 acres of commercial timber harvest plus thinning, prescribed fire, and replanting. Mining & Industry: United States Antimony says it more than doubled daily extraction at Stibnite Hill to 42 tons of ore per day, feeding its Radersburg mill and smelters in Thompson Falls and Mexico. Environmental Health: The EPA is sampling three Western Montana rivers for PCBs to map sources and impacts across watersheds. Agriculture & Trade: Montana ranchers are pushing back on a Trump plan to import 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free ground beef for 90 days, warning it could add market volatility without lowering prices long-term.

Oil & Gas Land/Acquisitions: Callan JMB’s Callan Power is designating Andy Weigman as SVP of Land and Acquisitions, tapping 14 years of Williston Basin experience to build its non-operated portfolio. Mining & Critical Minerals: United States Antimony says Stibnite Hill in Montana is ramping up—42 truckloads of ore moved in 2026 so far, with operations running about double last year’s daily pace. Roadless Rule & Wildfire Risk: The Roadless Rule repeal heads into a final comment period ending Sept. 21, with critics saying roadbuilding would increase human-caused ignitions and undermine forest health. Local Infrastructure: MDT and Great West Engineering plan a Sept. 10 open house for the Chinook–East US 2 reconstruction project, covering about six miles between Chinook and Zurich. Power & Grid Planning: Montana-Dakota Utilities is among the users tied to North Plains Connector hearings in North Dakota, a line estimated at $6B that runs from near Colstrip, Montana. Public Health/Community Services: Gallatin County is weighing about $777K in opioid settlement funds to keep Mobile Crisis running for roughly another year and a half. Food Safety: A multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to imported jalapeños has sickened hundreds, including cases reported in Montana. Energy Costs: Gas prices remain volatile across Montana counties, with GasBuddy reporting some of the lowest premium and diesel rates in the state during the week ending Aug. 15. Solar & Local Facilities: Fergus County cut the ribbon on a new rooftop solar installation at the Livestock Pavilion, aimed at lowering operating costs.

Energy Costs & Utilities: NorthWestern Energy customers across Montana are questioning sudden summer power bill spikes after some reports showed bills tripling (and even quadrupling) from one billing period to the next, with the utility pointing to usage and energy costs while some residents say meter checks found no issues. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Fergus County hit $3.99 in the week ending Aug. 15, while Montana’s regular average rose to $4.27; midgrade and diesel prices also varied by county. Workforce & Economy: Montana’s unemployment rate dipped to 3.2% in July, with employment up by about 625 jobs and payroll gains in professional/business services, retail, and wholesale. Trade & Agriculture: A growing U.S.-Canada trade dispute could ripple through Montana, which sent about $1B to Canada in 2025; uncertainty may hit cattle and other ag exports even if not directly tariffed. Beef Policy Shock: Montana ranchers are reacting to Trump’s plan to temporarily allow large volumes of imported ground beef to lower prices, warning it could pressure cattle prices and undercut the herd’s recovery. Public Lands & Energy Rules: Interior’s oil and gas rule changes are drawing pushback over reduced notice to split-estate landowners and lower bonding requirements, with conservation and ranch groups warning land and oversight risks. Food & Local Business: Bozeman’s Olivelle marks 20 years, celebrating its infused olive oils, spice blends, and balsamic vinegars. Science & Research: Montana State physicist Matt Jaffe won an Air Force Young Investigator award for atom-photon research with potential quantum computing and sensing applications. Agriculture Biosecurity: The eastern heath snail was detected for the first time in Gallatin County, raising concerns for crops and hay contamination. Legal/Consumer Protection: Montana AG Brenna Bird joined a coalition challenging “Big Four” climate-related financial reporting activism, arguing it could conflict with audit independence and raise compliance costs. Education & Campus Life: Montana State University move-in week brought about 4,700 students into 12 residence halls as the new school year begins.

Beef Tariff Shake-Up: President Trump announced a 90-day pause on out-of-quota tariffs for up to 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef, saying it will be sold 25% below market prices—prompting sharp pushback from cattle groups and ranch-state Republicans who warn it could undercut U.S. producers and herd rebuilding. Mining Deal in Montana: Silver Bow Mining signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Jefferson County Metallurgical Complex, including the Montana Tunnels M-Pit, setting up a major next step for local processing capacity. Wildfire Policy + Risk: A coalition report says the Trump administration’s wildfire overhaul and “full suppression” push is colliding with an already dangerous, fuel-heavy West, as multiple firefighter deaths are reported across the region. Public Lands Grazing Fight: Montana-linked coverage highlights pressure to change grazing rules with less public involvement, raising concerns for ranchers and rangeland management. Roadless Rule Under Threat: The U.S. Forest Service move to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule is framed as a make-or-break moment for Montana’s forest health and conservation future. Local Business Change: Bozeman’s long-running Joe’s Parkway Market is ending after nearly 60 years of local ownership. Community Safety: Havre’s National Night Out brings together police, fire, state agencies, and partners for a public safety night with a free BBQ.

Beef Tariff Fight: President Trump says up to 300,000 metric tons of foreign ground beef will enter the U.S. tariff-free for 90 days at 25% below market prices, but ranchers and even some GOP lawmakers are pushing back hard—calling it a midterm-driven move that undercuts rebuilding herds and leaves key details (source countries, sellers, how savings reach shoppers) unclear. Montana Economy: Montana’s unemployment rate edged down to 3.2% in July as employment rose by about 625 jobs and the number of unemployed fell by nearly 600. Energy & Costs: Diesel prices in Montana ticked up week over week, with several counties reporting $4.99 diesel as the low end in the Aug. 15 reporting week. Power Infrastructure: Fall River Electric backed a new northern Idaho natural gas plant via PNGC Power, aiming for reliable, lower-emitting generation and a pathway to hydrogen blending. Pipeline Watch: Tallgrass and Bridger announced a 30-day open season for incentive tariff rates on crude oil transportation from Bridger’s Guernsey Hub. Wildfire Health: Flathead Valley communities are hosting Clean Air pop-up events Aug. 24-27 with upgraded filtration and free HEPA filter drawings.

Wildfire Response: Climate Smart Glacier Country is running Aug. 24-27 clean-air pop-up events in Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Whitefish, with upgraded filtration at Clean Air Centers and free HEPA filter drawings. Montana Economy: Montana’s unemployment rate slipped to 3.2% in July as total employment rose by about 625 jobs and the number of unemployed fell by nearly 600. Energy & Shipping: Tallgrass announced a 30-day open season starting Aug. 21 for incentive tariff rates on the Pony Express Pipeline for crude oil shippers from Bridger’s Guernsey Hub. Beef & Trade: Montana cattle groups and national producers pushed back on Trump’s plan to ease beef import tariffs/quotas, arguing it’s political theater that destabilizes ranch decisions and undercuts U.S. producers. Public Lands & Forestry: The Trump administration’s roadless-rule rollback is moving forward, with critics warning it could expand road building and disrupt wildlife and recreation. Agriculture Science: University of Idaho named Erika Consoli to a new nematology endowed chair to tackle crop-damaging soil pests.

Beef & Trade: Montana cattle groups and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association pushed back hard on Trump’s plan to lower ground beef prices via large-scale imports, calling it political theater that undermines ranchers and ignores the need for herd stability. Energy & Costs: Montana’s unemployment rate slipped to 3.2% in July as employment rose by about 625 jobs, while local fuel reports show diesel deals in Gallatin and Park counties and premium gas dipping in Silver Bow—useful signals for Montana’s cost-of-living pressure. Oil & Pipelines: Tallgrass opened a 30-day “open season” for incentive tariff rates on the Pony Express Pipeline tied to crude shipments from Bridger’s Guernsey Hub. Manufacturing Jobs: Gov. Gianforte highlighted a $20 million expansion at Allied Steel in Lewistown, with plans to add more than 160 workers. Public Lands & Forestry: The federal push to roll back the Roadless Rule and expand road building is drawing major criticism from conservationists and hunters, with Montana’s roadless forests at the center of the fight. Education & Research: UM’s new president laid out a student-belonging plan and addressed AI’s limits, while Montana Tech hosted an environmental engineering camp for students.

Manufacturing & jobs: Gov. Greg Gianforte toured Allied Steel in Lewistown to highlight a completed $20 million expansion, with the company employing 132 and aiming to add 160+ workers. Local planning: Whitefish’s planning commission amended its growth policy to limit downtown building heights to 60 feet, using “view corridors” and a proposed Old Town scenic district to manage Big Mountain sightlines. Energy & environment: NorthWestern Energy and Health Gallatin issued new Hebgen Reservoir closures as harmful algal blooms push toxins higher, shutting Corey Springs and keeping other areas under restrictions. Agriculture & prices: Montana cattle groups reacted to Trump’s 90-day plan to ease “out-of-quota” tariffs on up to 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef, warning it could pressure cattle markets and complicate herd recovery. Public lands & recreation: The Forest Service moved forward with proposed Travel Management Rule changes that critics call a “one-two punch” alongside roadless-rule rollbacks, arguing it would expand motorized access and harm wildlife. Conservation funding: USDA’s NRCS is accepting Montana applications for conservation programs, with FY27 funding due Oct. 2.