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von*a,ng, qtn*oxrr MONTANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 64th LEGISLATURE - REGULAR SESSION HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE Date: Monday, March 16,2015 Time: 8:30 A.M. Place: Capitol Room:102 BILLS and RESOLUTIONS HEARD: HB 5 - Provide for infrastructure development - Rep. Jeffrey Welborn HB 13 - State Employee Pay Plan - Rep. Kathy Swanson HB 14 - Creating broadband development fund through bonding - Rep. Kelly McCarthy EXECUTIVE ACTION TAKEN: None Comments: None REP. Nancy Ballance, Chair ,9V*.9&p,WViu,,@,, N4ONTAINA HOUSE OF" RHPRESENTATNVHS APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE ROLL CALL ///oz./ /6,ac/T NAN,{E PR]ESENT AtsSENT/EXCUSED REP. RANDY BRODEHL REP. KELLY MCCARTHY V REP. TOM WOODS w REP. CARL GLIMM REP. DAVE HAGSTROM REP. BOB MEHLHOFF \/ REP. TOM BURNETT REP. DONALD JONES REP. MITCH TROPILA REP. JANET ELLIS REP. ROY HOLLANDSWORTH REP. RON EHLI REP. BRAD TSCHIDA REP. RAE PEPPERS REP. KIMBERLY DUDIK REP. KENNETH HOLMLUND REP. MIKE CUFFE REP. PAT NOONAN, MIN. VICE CHAIRMAN REP. RYAN OSMUNDSON, MAJ. VICE CHAIRMAN REP. NANCY BALLANCE, CHAIR 20 N{EN4tsERS C:\Users\cl7240\Desktop\Forms_Misc\Roll Call.docx MONTANA House of Representatives Visitors Register HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE Monday, March 16,2015 HB f 3 - State Employee Pay plan Sponsor: Rep. Kathy Swanson PLEASE PRINT MI, \1W * f>5-P {"^tJ<., **'rzsl<-: ft es c,r^ li Ke- Mar\tu\.\ ears/zfor A(( A / Sy'..*J u'orH Please leave prepared testimony with Secretary. Witness Statement forms are available if you care to submit written testimony. .W . Brir,Vrl, 6/*n/t s N,{ONT"ANA F{.O USE OF' RTPRESEhITATI VIiS VISITORS REGISTER APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE DATE 3. lL.1S BrLL No: +J b /-5 SPONSOR(S): SHORT TITLE: Piease leave prepared testimony with secretary. Witness Statement forms are available if you care to submit written testimony. 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PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Name Representing Support Oppose Informtl lWn rl o t) u,h *ru,;l't',^ 0rc tS) Uet L/ fu"1 ), \r/ nln*^l hhv* \- [h-Jb"l?*nps +pF: X \.. -! \= \ \ s:\20L5 House Session\word Processing\Forms\Blank visitors Rigister20l5.wpds:\20L5 processang\Forms\Blank House session\word Visitors Register20Ls.wpd MONTANA House of Representatives Visitors Register HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE Monday, March 16,2015 HB 14 - creating broadband deveropment fund through bonding Sponsor: Rep. Kelly McCarthy PLEASE PRINT Name Representing Support Oppose Info (4"" &p( 'uMWM 'ilN ArAM 1'A A./ -/v =\ L ) lwtnrA iKi- \Q c [-( fuc{"n N\(h,n A"r rr x (V.*k 'B^?Lr-- G"ttt, " n.t+,, v /rze@Qrs-r " 4r6/o.dr71 ,4tt^ I /?.rA re rf,r c [/,'r', on Ma' r - ( )u,n"*,.- .1L^,-,n .1t^! Lbo'-, N ayi(,Wtu U\lhtrtr*i"^, M( | ihrnnt lc[.n; nJ,rhr. 5^^dJtrnc-,t $- Wl^'*- *.: Please leave prepared testimony with Secretary. Witness Statement forms are available if you care to submit written testimonv. MONTANA House of Representatives Visitors Register HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE Monday, March 16,2015 HB 5 - Provide for infrastructure development Sponsor: Rep. Jeffrey Welborn PLEASE PRINT Name Representing Support Oppose lnfo ililf C-^.,-, f^lr"* C C D / fn-"'k F\r,.o]t-nrnn DN.Wc d 1-_!*,r[..^ Eer- ^M,*Co Nr+r-of Don*l ),Eu>, Au*e 6,zbi 1il*o lg {t^B.,*r r,tc r e\Q 8,,( 6-/K* f €r+ ''-' Fl D' t: pL*^ Pu[ Please leave prepared testimony with Secretary. Witness Statement forms are available if you care to submit written testimony. J&' .:B1y. {fr2 f;luafiy ]V{OINTAJ]{A trIoustr o }T RtrPRtrSEI'u'AT'trVES \rISITORS REGIS]TR APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE DATE i. 1U, ^y BILL NO: ila-r SPONSOR(S): SHORT TITLE: i at < {z ,, i,t{ro sfr ,*dr-r, plea-se leave prepared testimony with secretary. Witness Statement forms are available if yor, "lr. to submit written testimony, PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Name Representing Support .'* Oppose Informtl C, E.-J s:\201'5 House session\Word Processing\Forms\Blank Visitors Rigister20L5.wpds:\2015 House session\word processing\Forms\Blank visitors Register2oL5.wpd MONTANA House of Representatives Visitors Register HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE Monday, March 16,2015 HB 5 - Provide for infrastructure development Sponsor: Rep. Jeffrey Welborn PLEASE PRINT Name Representing Support Oppose Info (/4,'f / r*--'^-^ E (/q,*k {ru-t,ts V M; tt, il"{,,i.,r. AA ns l-{r-rtr.r ,l** Ast,-m r) Sw$r lhej.v r)nc (/ fnnr,zqa 6a/,b lt4w /= "V lur/r 7pe*- / 5r"1h"utLd amTfYa )1 Q.1o,,''r", Uln,r{,o^ /blouJr, *o l,/n,,r.ir,t. *tt Y 7-l trb rr rn C ,lnn+"*-, {Air ffl rrl ) Atu" 9t )" &4t rn Please leave prepared testimony with Secretary. Witness Statement forms are available if you care to submit written testimony. MONTANA House of Representatives Visitors Register HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE Monday, March 16,2015 HB 5 - Provide for infrastructure development Sponsor: Rep. Jeffrey Welborn PLEASE PRINT Name Representing Support Oppose lnfo /lo^.A"Dr u/i+ 6Nb e PE^t Etuwrr h/'l(?l'r{ /)rre*t LLC )e* Ots*p fuB,a,n+l lL,tbh N4. nfrftu 6, 14,r--*ftz U84P. Ftrttrys reupz. 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IMO}{T"ANA HOIIJSE Otr RtrPRtrSE}\T'AT'I VES VISITORS REGISTER APPROPRTATIONS COMMITTEE DATE 3 /G /s- BILL No: ll B s SPONSOR(S): u4lr<\ SHORT TITLE: * I Please leave prepared testimony with secretary. Witness Statement forms are available if you care to submit written testimony. PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Name Representing Support Oppose Informt'l C< "."r(( 11'n(wu)V Lu, f 19, L// fM;r,hp lr'/i , h &n," Fnu: Le,ft)o v ^/:l 'mun\ 4c fil^ In?L' i .- frl,uf f"-ft l-no, tt pc, t rtn (\ r1ff.rJ (,r,1 '4r-r,"iA\ ^{ u ,15 ?osz\.^) ?.^61;, F (tA /t.t,n\ A l, t . /- O','.^z'\" r ",'( ^., Itil'tD oalntlc,t cIA. ( .1.,1^ A A^rltttr,t t', ,'i fb, ,"tl (-/ -r\ frl \ LIRIAil O*-, 1qo*Y1-atwa f \ j l< ..-.-{',4,o l/,n-q ,4r1t+E r )? 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PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT PLEASB PRINT Name Representing Support Oppose Informtl Gce ?wsat-e5 GtaNr Lufrr F,'.x v D*ou4r. he"+/H5ub a K Q,zen e u,Lcarr Q.ou*L,-Cnur-" X C-\'..,1-^ f,tr,JL w\f*5ltrl.^^'<< A.^. )< j -*/ ,1r-, tn , 1r.,, .h. 1, J,2t ^ .Y {nbr r,.(i,t'']njs,r Stfn\^\ r, f n Cr r tr(8 r\nft X GwTI?rR.r $Aab*t J r x3 Cvt+hn('ot ( ,tAn f,' ',-T^ 17'l- ^,rt nfttl+ J iln ( ?/(s / zzl 47 Sflltrttlz/ flqttu/ X t1A, -to.^r 0^ lAr. t ( Ci.hr^ rr S- \k.., x f-ol ni-l r -\^tz \ CR;rrLd .r< 5A ,". Zr--.,,- csKT h {, n^"&, 6\4 Crr'^A tLg rP l.- K \:. 5:\2015 House Session\Word Processing\Forms\Blank Visitors Rigister20l5.wpdS:\2015 House Session\Word Processing\Forms\Blank Visitors Register2015.wpd From: Grover, Katya Sent: Sunday, March 15,20!5 9:42 AM To: Berger, Becky Subject: HB5: FW:comments on Houe Bill 5. Sent: Saturday, March 14,2015 10:33 PM To: Grover, Katya Subject: comments on Houe Bill 5. Hello Ms. Grover, I'd like to make comments to the committee with a request to vote against House Bill 5, the Build Montana Act. This appears to be one of the most egregious earmark programs proposed in a long time. These projects should be paid by local taxpayers. Regardless of the interest rates/ to spend money just to put people to work for a couple of years is irresponsible; it all has to be paid back and if you are not getting good bang for your buc( it should not be done. Montana will never get good bag for the buck until it stops being a "closed shop" and becomes a "Right to Work State". lust because it is government money does not mean that people should be getting excessive salaries. "Davis Bacon" needs to be reworked. It is a sad state of affairs when government and union jobs far exceed what the private sector pays; government and union fringe benefits themselves are egregious. I'm not going to go through this monstrosity section by section, but section 4 should be completely eliminated. The state should not be buying any more ground until it proves it can take care of what it already has. This is already longer than most people will read. I will suggest again to just say "No" to House Bill 5. Thanks, Fred Sowenryine 8400 Theisen Road Belgrade, Mt. 59714-7 I03 406-388-452r http: //www.4dotranch.com From: Grover, Katya Sent: Saturday, March L4,20L5 3:23 PM To: Berger, Becky Subject: H85: FW: Infrastructure and building improvements ----Origina I Message--- From: Butch Imailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, March 73,2OtS 4:44PM To: Grover, Katya Su bject: I nfrastructure a nd bu ild ing im prove ments Again - SggOfU spent on infrastructure and building improvements. Yet I don't see what it is going to. And the claim it will help with jobs is just irrelevant. lf you want to improve jobs, then cut the taxes you collect on oil and coal development and we will have coal mining and oil drilling in Montana like they have in N. Dakota. So the jobs claim and the increased salaries are not worth the vote. lf you are going to spend S380M you better have the budget balanced and some money going to the unfunded liabilities this State has. We can't keep living in the future hoping to pay for spending now. So if there isn't budget then vote no to this bill - HB 5. This sounds to much like Democrat spend-spend- spend bullthan real issue. Butch Kallem WildWood Manufacturing, LLC www.WildWood-Mfg.com 406-866-3198 From: Sandra Jones To Congressional committee members. As mayor of a small rural Montana City I support House Bill 5 of the which is designed to help communities like ours here in Roundup with the challenges in regard to our infrastructure improvements. These improvements such as our water project promotes the health and safety of our community residents. We have completed 8,000 feet of water main replacement but we still have 30,000 more feet to do. this funding will help us to meet the objectives that are laid forth in our Capital lmprovement Plan. Respectfully submitted Sandra Jones Mayor of Roundup From: Grover, Katya Sent: Monday, March 16,2015 L2:23 PM To: Berger, Becky Subject: FW: House Bill 5 From: Valene Coff i Sent: Monday, March 16,2015 12:20 pM To: Grover, Katya Subject: House Bill 5 Dear Ms. Grover; As members of Glen Lake lrrigation District, we would greatly appreciate funding for all the irrigation projects in House Bill 5. Thank you, Valene & Randy Goff Eureka. MT From: Grover, Katya Sent: Monday, March L6, 2015 L2:23 PM To: Berger, Becky Subject: HB5?: FW: Gallatin Septic Repair Fund Project From : swinney, i;;t Irn.irto,iu**v.s*innluogurr;tin. *t. goul Sent: Monday, March 16, 2015 L2:22PM To: Grover, Katya Cc: Olmstead, Nicole Subject: Gallatin Septic Repair Fund Project To the House Appropriations Committee, The Gallatin Local Water Quality District (GLWQD) supports Gallatin County's request of S125,000 from the DNRC Renewable Resource Grant program to create a septic system repair assistance program. More than 16,600 septic system permits have been issued by Gallatin County since 1956. With a life expectancy of 20-30 years for a septic system, more than 65% of the systems currently used in the County are at or beyond their life expectancy. When a septic system fails it directly impacts groundwater quality which, for most residents in the County, is their primary source of drinking water. Septic systems are expensive to replace or upgrade and many families do not have the financial resources to undertake this cost. Therefore, Gallatin County is dedicated to providing a financial alternative to qualified applicants who are unable to qualify for traditional funding options in order to upgrade their septic system. GLWQD sees this program as a necessary tool to provide groundwater protection in Gallatin County. Sincerely, (amntera Swinney District Manager Gallatin Local Water Quality District 215 W. Mendenhall, Suite 300 Bozeman, MT 59715 406-582-3145 tam mv.swinnev@ga llatin. mt. gov www.sa llati n. mt.eov/GLWQD From: Grover, Katya Sent: Monday, March L6,20L5 L1,:27 AM To: Berger, Becky Subject: FW: House bill 5 From: RAE Water and Sewer [mailto:raew@mtopticom,net] Sent: Monday, March 16,20LS LL:27 AM To: Grover, Katya Subject: House bill 5 Sear l(atya, f-louse Bill 5 is very important to the RAt Water and Sewer Oistrict. This funding will help us keep our infrastructure from falling apart. We provide an important cornrnunity service by providing water and sewer services to homes and businesses in Gallatin Countv. Please pass house bill 5! Thank you, David King, Manager RiAE Water and Sewer District From: Grover, Katya Sent: Monday, March L6, 20LS 1j.:49 AM To: Berger, Becky Subject: FW: House Bill 5 From: steven taylor lfna_ilto:sdtmontana ] Sent: Monday, March L6, ZOLS 11:49 AM To: Grover, Katya Subject: House Bill 5 Ms Grover, I write to you and tle House Appropriations Committee concerning House Bill 5. As the Mayor of the Town of Neihart,the most important and costliest project for our small community is maintaining our drinking water system. As you may know we are under an Administration order from the EPA to upgrade our temporary water intake to a pirmanent intake. We have been working hard for several years trying t9 mlke that happen. Though the process is slow and daunting, we have persevered. After the planning, decision makinf public hearing processes, engineering, grant writing, and budgeting planning, we are now awaiting h.tp in funding through state grant and loan appropriations. We understand the appropriation committee has many requests, and the decisions to be made come with great difficulty. We believe HB 5 is about the basic infrastructure projects needed to keep most of our Municipalities in working order. The Town of Neihart asks for yoru-rupport for House Bill 5. Sincerely, Steve Taylor Mayor, Town of Neihart P.O. Box 36 Neihart, Montana 59465 r-406-868-1544 From: Todd and Beth Schaper [mailto:[email protected]] Sesrt: Friday, March 13, 2015 3:18 PM To: Grover, Katya Subject: HB 5 Build Montana - proponent response Committee Members Regording HB 5 f om in supporf of HB 5 in its enttrety. Supporting this effort will bring volue to our stote, communities ond your constituents. I om o person who does NOT spend recklessly ond understonds the importonce of o sovings qccount. f am olso o person you prefers f inding solutions to o problem. Possing of HB 5 wilf directly affect mony focilities where our fomilies work and recreate. Qne oreo thot HB 5 addresses ore school focility conditions. Current conditions in mony of our school fqcilities areterrible. The Stote hos hondcuffed our School Districts with limitotions on budgeting for long term focility improvements (Title20,Section 9-t04, of the MCA). District's hove o limited obility to use excess general funds ond ony budget excess is required to be remitted bock to the Stote. You (the Stote) will foke ony excess 'f unds ond distribute into o more general fund. Post Legislotors hove homstrung Districts ond their obility to hove o 'sovings'. This requires the Districts to rely on Bonds or Levies on the locol resid ence. Our communities historicolly deny Bonds ond Levies for these much needed improvements. HB 5 identif ies specif ic schools and specific solutions to some reol issues. If you do not poss HB 5 these much needed repoirs ond upgrodes will never be completed. As f understond one of the issues before you is whot monies should be used for HB 5. f fook ot the f inoncing 'problem' for solutions ond is see fhe following We hove o 'sovings occount' . We hove opportunity for low interesf finoncing. Wehave opportunity for bonds. Cutting the HB 5 into pieces ond reducing scope of work is nof o solution. When onebegins to guibble ond refuses to compromise it sounds like politics. You ore smorf people figure it out, of least for our kid's soke. If my roof leoks f fix it. Our roof is leoking. Whof ore you going to do? Thonk you Todd Schoper 6811 Alisho Drive Missoulo, MT 59803 From: Grover, Katya Sent: Sunday, March 1-5, 2015 9:42 AM To: Berger, Becky Subject: HB5: FW: House Bill 5 ---Origina I Message---- From: pubdir@ mt.gov Imailto: [email protected]] Sent: Saturday, March L4,2015 6:59 PM To: Grover, Katya Subject: House Bill 5 Email sent from: [email protected] Email Body: Ms. Katya Grover, House Committee Secretary: Today, March 1-4,2015, I have contacted various members of the Legislature, namely: Appropriations Committee Members: Nancy Balance (R) Chairman; Ryan Osmundson (R)Vice-Chairman; Pat Noonan (D), Vice-Chairman; Randy Brodehl (R); Tom Burnett (R); Mike Cuffe (R); Kimberly Dudik (D); Ron Ehli (R); Janet Ellis (D); Carl Glimm (R); Dave Hagstrom (R); Roy Hollandworth (R); Kenneth Holmlund (R); Donald Jones (R); Kelly McCarthy (D); Bob Mehlhoff (D); Rae Peppers (D); Mitch Tropila (D); Brad Tschida (R); and Tom Woods (D). Additionally, emails were sent to Senator Janna Taylor (R) Sd 6; and sponsor of HB5, Jeffrey W. Welborn (R) HD 72 Through contacting you, I understand that my comments set forth below in support of HB 5 to the Legislators, supra, (sent to them via Legislator On-Line Messaging Form and their individual email) will be made a part of the record in consideration of HB 5. My supporting comments are as follows: I am in support of House Bill 5, which embodies the spirit and intent of the Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP), MCA 90-6-701 through 770. I am a homeowner in Foys Lakeside Estates Water and Sewer District which serves 15 households of Foys Lakeside Estates Subdivision, an unincorporated subdivision in Flathead County. Applications received 201.7 Biennium TSEP Funding includes recommended funding, in Section L9, for critical water system infrastructure which, I understand, has been approved by the various funding agencies and has been recommended to be included in the Governor's budget; however, I have been informed that some legislators are considering a measure to reduce the recommended funding by applicable agencies that manage grant applications. The TSEP has been designed to help address "affordability" issues encountered by local residents. Foys Lakeside Estates Homeowners Association formed Foys Lakeside Estates Water and Sewer District in 2005. The small number of residents within our little subdivision (some of whom are renters) have been struggling with numerous issues associated with our water system which were inherited from the Foys Lakeside Estate developer. ln 2010, our Water District submitted a Public Facilities Grant Application for water system improvements (Phase l), which was completed in 2013; Since 2013 our Water District has spent some 515,000 to apply for additionalgrant money to complete Phase ll of our system improvement. The costs associated with the writing of grant applications and engineering studies (2009, Stelling Engineers, Inc.) have be a costly burden for a small population. The challenges for our Water District are detailed in our Public Facilities Grant Application (Phase l), submitted to Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Resource Development, Resource Development Bureau on May 15, 20L0; and the Stelling Engineers, Inc. Water System lmprovement engineering report, submitted December L5, 2009. The District has been diligently, aggressively, and affirmatively working to repair the on-going water leakage problem for six years. Our District is unique in its' ratio of residents in relationship to the fiscal/monetary demands upon same to remedy the existing problems faced by the District. I suggest that Legislative Referendum 1-L0, passed in 1992, now knotyn as the TSEP;:had in mind such situations as our District presently finds itself and, therefore, remains pertinent and a valid remedy for solution to the District's difficulties. I pray for your favorable consideration (i.e., approval) of House Bill 5. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this legislative matter. Robert Snyder 100 Rainbow Drive Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 7s6-7368 From: Grover, Katya Sent: Friday, March 13, 2015 3:33 PM To: Berger, Becky Subject: email 8: FW: House Bill 5 -----Original M essage---- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, March !3,2075 3:31PM To: Grover, Katya Subject: House Bill 5 Please add this email as my way of communicating the need to fully fund House Bill 5. We live in a small town and have been mandated to upgrade our sewer system. This project will be absolutely impossible without the aid of grants. Please think of us when you are making your final determination. Virgil Hellyer Acting Mayor Town of Jordan 'From: Grover, Katya Sent: Saturday, March 14,20\5 3:23 PM To: Berger, Becky Subject: HB5: FW: House Bill 5 From : Town of Jordan tma itto :tojorCan OmiO riverf .loml Sent: Friday, March 13, 2015 4:26 PM To: Grover, Katya Subject: House Bill 5 OnbehalfoftheTownofJordan andallresidentsofthetown,weareaskingyoutosupportHB5. Wehavea TSEP grant application to be considered under this bill and its very important to us that the bill is approved. We reworked our wastewater system in 2009 and it has never met DEe's regulations since that time. That rework cost 1.5 million dollars and it is going to cost another 2.3 million to solve our wastewater problems once again. A smallTown of 350 people can not afford these kinds of structures mandated by EPA and DEe. yet - we HAVE TO DO them. Please HELP us by passing HB 5. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read our plea. Evelyn M Ritter, Town Clerk TOWN OF JORDAN 451 Main Street Jordan, MT 59337 t- From: Grover, Katya Sent: Saturday, March L4,20LS 3:24 PM To: Berger, Becky Subject: HB5: FW: House Bill 5 From: Michael Sugarman Imailto:[email protected]] Sent: Saturday, March L4,20t5 1:13 PM To: Grover, Katya Subject: House Bill 5 I=og'* [..ake siJe f,state s lVater & $crver p;stri..t lcl fieirbcrw pnv* f{alisg'cll' ffiernt*rra J !Po I Dear Ms. Grover: I am in support of House Bill 5. I am a homeowner and the chairman of the Foys Lakeside Estates Water and Sewer District, and am in support of House Bill 5. The District has been working to replace a leaking water main in our development for the past 6 years, and have had our water rates increased to 1,5O% of the Department of Commerce suggested rates to help raise funds to do so. Though we have started replacement of our water distribution main, we have had an extremely difficult time saving for a full replacement. We have been forced to make patchwork repairs on the old distribution main that have drained our district reserves. Without the funding provided by the bill, we will not be able to address the real problem, and continue to throw the little money we can towards repairs of an ever failing system. I would like to see the funding provided by this Bill put to good use and to help the Foys Lakeside Estates Water and Sewer District fix our problem, rather than postpone it while driving us further into debt. Please consider approval of this Bill. Thank you, MichaelSugarman From: Grover, Katya Sent: Sunday, March 15, 201-5 9:42 AM To: Berger, Becky Subject: H85: FW: HB5-Reclamation and Development Grants Program From : J im Hagen barth [mailto : h livestock@qwestoffice. net] Sent: Saturday, March 14,2015 7:50 PM To: Grover, Katya Subject: HB5-Reclamation and Development Grants program Dear House Appropriation Committee Members: My name is Jim Hagenbarth and our family has been ranching on the Big Hole River near Glen, Montana for 140 years. I was a founding member of the Big Hole Watershed Committee in 1995 and am currently on the Steering Committee. This Watershed Committee has been working for 2O years to involve all interests in collaborative efforts to make a difference on the landscape and the water resources of the Big Hole. Throughout this time period we have partnered many times with federal and state agencies, private individuals and landowners, and several NGOs to collaborate on projects in the watershed that make a difference. We leverage the funds we can secure and squeeze every last penny out of them for the enhancement of the resource under our watch. Currently we are applying for monies provided by HB 5 through Recreation and Development Grants forthree projects, Moose/French Creek Placer Mining Restoration, French Gulch Placer mining restoration and the Smith Slough/Smith Ditch fisheries project. These projects put money on the ground, just like many of the other projects being funded by HB 5. Funds from this bill are essential as they can be leveraged to further enhance the many amenities of this great State. Please fund HB 5 adequately. Montana's return of investment will be much greater with the collaborative efforts of all interests and communities. Thanks for your consideration and service, Jim Hagenbarth PO Box 1128 Dillon, MT 59725 [email protected] Berger, Becky From: Grover, Katya Sent: Monday, March 16,201"5 9:22 AM To: Berger, Becky Subject: FW: House Bill 5 - Support From: Jennifer Patrick - Milk River Irrigation Project t*aifto,:unnerrjUo..lo*i Sent: Monday, March 16, 2015 9:18 AM To: Grover, Katya Subject: House Bill 5 - Support Good morning, On behalf of the Milk River Basin irrigator's, we appreciates each of the Representative's time and efforts to support House Bill 5. With House Bill 5, we are able to get financial support for aging infrastructure throughout the basin. We have also utilized funds from the Renewable Resource Development Grants and Loan program in the past. Without these valuable programs, large projects in the Milk River Basin go untouched because the lack of funding. We appreciate your suppose on HB 5. lf you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you Jennifer Patrick Project Manager Milk River lrrigation Project Joint Board of Control [email protected] (406) e4s-3383 Berger, Becky From: Grover, Katya Sent: Monday, March 16,2015 9:23 AM To: Berger, Becky Subject: FW: House Bill 5 - Infrastructure Fundinq From: Mark Shrives fmailto:citymanager@cityofpolson,com] Sent: Monday, March 16, 2015 9:22 AM To: Grover, Katya Cc: 'Greg Hertz'; Taylor, Janna (Sen); [email protected] Subject: House Bill 5 - Infrastructure Funding Please place this email in the record as support for HB 5 The City of Polson strongly supports this legislation. lt will assist small communities in the state to fund major infrastructure projects. The City of Polson ls currently preparing to start the design phase of a major wastewater infrastructure project. ln the summer of 20L4, the City Commission worked very hard to gather citizen concerns about the potential rate increases that would be faced by our citizens. Although they understood the need for the project, the citizens, as well as the City Commission were concerned as to how the rate increase would affect the community. A commitment the City Commission made was to work as hard as possible to compete for as many grant opportunities available to the city in order to offset some of the potential rate increase. The City hired a grant writer, who has worked with our project engineer and city staff to develop high quality grant applications that showed the necessity for our project and at the same time showed the commitment the community was also making to help fund the project. Our applications were scored very highly throughout the competitive process. The City of Polson, along with many other communities rely on the infrastructure funding to not only be able to complete a quality project, but to also offset huge rate increases to our citizens. Again, we strongly support the bill and ask that the funding as proposed be approved. Thank you very much. Mark Shrives City Manager City of Polson, MT (406) 883-8207 Monday, March 16m,2015 House Appropriatio ns Com mittee Montana Legislature Attn: Katya Grover, Committee Secretary Email: kgrovef@!0jl.ggv Dear Committee Members, I am writing to you on behalf of the Sweet Grass Conservation District - Board of Supervisors in support of House Bill 5. The Sweet Grass Conservation District has sponsored a major irrigation diversion rehabilitation project contained in this legislation and included in Montana DNRCs Renewable Resources Grant & Loan program request. Following the project review process, our project was highly ranked by the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation - Conservation & Resource Development Division and remains well within the available funding levels of the Renewable Resources Program. We hope you continue to support the department's recommendations and fund this valuable conservation resource development project. Unlike other project sponsors, Conservation Districts do not use taxpayer dollars or user fees to fund their renewable resource development projects. We rely on this program and funding from private donors to fund our projects. All of our previous projects funded by this program have proven very successful and serve as models for other resource conservation minded projects in our area. We appreciate your support of this valuable program and encourage your continued support of DNRC's Renewable Resource Grant & Loan Program. Sincerely, '\ /\/\ /&.)\ dtr* Kevin Dawe, Chairman Posr Onrtco Box 749 ' Brc 'lltvrern, MoNlaNe 59011 ' {406) 932-5160 EXr. 3 b From: Johnson, Kevin [mailto:krjohnson@dowl,com] Sent: Monday, March 16, 2015 B:45 AM To: Grover, Katya Cc: [email protected]; Taylor, Janna (Sen) Subject: HB 5 - Support; City of Polson All, I am writing in support of HB5 for funding of "all" the projects in dire need of assistance replacing agrnginfrastructure and/or addressing the ongoing tightening of environmental regulations affecting community wastewater systems. The City of Polson and numerous other communities are facing major expenditures to deal with current and pending regulatory requirements for their wastewater system. With limited grant funding available the burden on the rate payers will be substantial (i.e. $70lmo +). Please keep in mind the projects included in the TSEP project list are just those with the greatest health and safety needs. The reality is these projects are just a small dent in the actual infrastructure needs (water, sewer, storm, roads, bridges) facing our state. Reduction in any funding sources directed toward these needs only deepens the problems. Thanks, KJ Kevin R. Johnson, P.E. Senior Water Resources Project Manager #;u trlEwL ffi (406) 586-8834';; (800) 855-9847 (fax) (406) ss1 Laae @l; (a06) 53e-0e0a (c) 2090 Stadium Drive Bozeman, Montana 59715 Co ris ide r t"hs iltrv i icn:,':eiii bilf lte i:iiniiiiit. John & Karen Thorson 376 River Road West Plains, MT 59859 (406) 826-0s00 i ohnkarenthorson@)mac. com March 1.6.2015 To: Rep. Nancy Ballance, Chair, and Members, Montana House Appropriations Committee Re: House BiIl5: Sanders County's Grant RRGL Application: Middle Clark Fork Rizter, Plains Reach (submitted May 15,2014) We live on the lower Clark Fork River, on River Road West, approximately four miles downstream of the Plains bridge. Professionally, john has been a water law attorney and judge for 30 years and has worked on issues (including restoration projects) in every major river system in the western United States. Although we have lived here for only six years, we have witnessed significant geomorphic changes in the river through what is know as the "Plains Reach" of the river-changes beyond what one would expect of a healthy, large river. We have observed extensive bank degradation along this reach of the river, increased sediment due to land erosiory loss of habitat, channel migratiory and extensive algae blooms during low flows. These changes are the consequences of natural river functions and more than a century of human activities. Unfortunately, this rapid pace of bank erosion and channel migration threatens important public infrastructure and prioate lands, especially the Town of Plains' uastewater treatment plant. The rate of change, if continued, appears to threaten River Road West at a critical location, which would close the only access for hundreds of people who live beyond this point. Fortunately, Sanders County and the Town of Plains have taken proactive steps to better understand the causes of these changes and possible mitigating strategies. These efforts have included a series of more refined technical studies and collaboration with a citizens' committee providing public input and other expertise. As a result of these studies, a consensus has been reached among the citizens' committee and local officials that future efforts should prioritize the protection of this infrastructure. The grant application before you would build seamlessly on investigations previously funded by the Legislature (through the RRGL program) and provide the needed engineering documents and additional technical understanding for essential protective and restoration work. We strongly urge your full funding of Sanders Count's application concerning the Plains Reach of the Clark Fork River. Thank you. Sincerely, lsl lohn €t Karen Thorson JOHN & KAREN THORSON March 15,2015 Montana House of Representatives House Appropriations Committee 64tn Legislature Helena, MT RE: House Bill 5 Dear Committee Member, I am writing to voice my support for House Bill 5 and the Governor's Build Montana Program. It seems that almost daily, the media reports on the failing condition of our countries and of our state's infrastructure systems. Given the age of many of our roadways, bridges and public utilities, these reports of deterioration and failure should come as no surprise. House Bill 5 provides the 64th Legislature with an opportunity to address a large number of infrastructure issues with relatively little risk. The DNRC RRGL program and the TSEP program provide much needed funding to cities, towns and rural areas throughout the state, to build and maintain reliable water and wastewater systems, Without the RRGL and TSEP programs, major improvements to these systems are unaffordable. The cost of many water or sewer improvement projects run into the millions of dollars to serve only a few hundred people. Increased EPA and DEQ regulation only exacerbates affordability problems. Both the volume and the cost of these critical projects is increasing with the accelerating deterioration of existing facilities. The time to act is now, before the problem gets worse. I urge each of you to forgo the politics, and move House Bill 5 foruvard. Sincerely, Rolland Leitheiser, President Upper and Lower River Road Water and Sewer District Great Falls Berger, Becky From: Grover, Katya Sent: Monday, March 16,201510:35 AM To: Berger, Becky Subject: FW: Support for HB 5 From : [email protected] Ima ilto : [email protected]] Sent: Monday, March 16,2015 10:31 AM To: Grover, Katya Subject: Suppoft for HB 5 Please include this email in the record of support for House Bill 5. The funding support available through HB 5 is a critical component for fulfilling obligations to our citizens, our government and our environment. Increases in regulation, outdated systems, and the desire to be stewards of our lands and rivers are driving the need for infrastructure funding programs. The City of Polson is in the process of updating our waste water treatment system. Projects such as this are important not only to our community, but to our entire state, as we need to ensure we are being responsible for the natural environment and properly treating the water that goes back into the waterways for future generations. Financial assistance is essential to aiding our citizens with the burden of improvements. Passing HB 5 will ensure many communities will be able to complete vital projects. We need to think of future generations and position our communities to grow responsibly and effectively. I ask our legislators to please support HB 5. Sincerely, Heather Knutson Mayor, City of Polson Monday, March 16,2015 Montana Legistature House of Re presentatives Com m ittee on Appropriations Re: HB-5 Hearing in House Appropriations Committee Dear Committee Members. I am writing to you on behalf of the Boulder River Watershed Association's Executive Board in support of the Montana Department of Natural Resource and Conservation's - Renewable Resource Grant & Loan Program which is funded thru House Bill * 5 and will be heard in your committee this afternoon. The Boulder River Watershed Association (BRWA) is a group of landowners and ranchers living in the Boulder River valley in Sweet Grass County. The BRWA has been active for more than a decade in providing financial and administrative assistance to landowners and irrigators for conservation-m inded improvement projects. The BRWA provided the original professional assessment that identified priority renewable resource improvement projects like the "Electric Light Ditch lrrigation Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project" which has been highly ranked within the Department's program budget in this legislation. We hope your Committee will continue to support and fund the Renewable Resource Grant & Loan program contained in HB-5 and projects like ours that provide great public benefit to agricultural producers in our area. Stuart Stenberg, Chairman Boulder River Watershed Association Post Office Box 749 Big Timber, Montana 59011 TIIEY From: Grover, Katya Sent: Monday, March 16,20L5 10:34 AM To: Berger, Becky Subject: FW: House Bill 5 Attachments: RRGL written testimony.doc; Zimmerman.doc From: Anderson, Jessica - NRCS-CD, Livingston, MT fmailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, March 16, 2015 10:31 AM To: Grover, Katya Subject: House Bill 5 Katya, Good morning. I received late notice that the DNRC/Renewable Resource Grant & Loan program proposal for the Upper Shields River Fish Barrier & Road lmprovements project will be heard by the House Appropriations Committee at 2:30 this afternoon. l'm trying to get in touch with area landowners in hopes someone will be able to attend the hearing but haven't had any luck as most of them are calving. In the case no one is able to attend the hearing, I wanted to give you a little background/information on the proposed project. I wrote a written testimony, which is attached along with a testimony from area landowner/Park Conservation District supervisor/active Shields Valley Watershed Group member, Ned Zimmerman. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or for additional information. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Je4,i,&,a/Andnrtaw District Ad rnin istrator/Waters hed Coordinator Park Conservation Distl'ict 5242 Hwv 89 South Livingston, f\AT 39447 4A6-222-2899 ext.l I I 405-600-0440 cell Tooa/ Co**o,r ,ftqe Corcortmtlo,r" 5242 Highway 89 South Livingston, MT 59047 Telephone 406-222-2899x 1 1 1 Fax 406-222-8538 DNRC Renewable Resource Grant & Loan program Upper Shie/ds River Fish Barrier & Road lmprovements The Shields River watershed is one of the few remaining basin-level strongholds for Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT) and the mostly nonhybridized fish reside nearly throughout the watershed's streams. Nonnative brook trout present a dire threat to the persistence of YCT, especially in headwaters. Monitoring through the 2010s have confirmed continued expansion of brook trout, resulting in the development of a plan to preserve this population. Extensive survey and study of movements of fishes indicate brook trout are undergoing a current and rapid invasion in the upper Shields River watershed, resulting in displacement of YCT. Rainbow trout are present in the main stem Shields River and have potential to invade the upper Shields River as well. Without intervention, we will likely lose this population of YCT within a few decades. Losing YCT within this portion of the Shields River watershed would have several negative ramifications. First, it would undermine the years of investment made by the Shields Valley Watershed Group (S\ /VG) in conserving the species within the area. Moreover, losing populations increases the justification to include YCT for protection under the Endangered Species Act, which refutes the desires of the basin's citizens and may negatively affect their flexibility in managing their lands. The placement of this population brings distinction to the conservation status of the subspecies. The project area is the northernmost extent of their distribution. The high elevation and latitude of this location make it an ideal for a potential YCT refuge, which require cool, clean water. lmproved water quality for fish means ultimate experiences for anglers, which are strong among the drivers of the local economy. This grant request addresses three primary objectives and considerations. First, the construction of a new bridge equipped with a removable fish barrier to be placed over the Shields River on the Shields Loop Road within the Gallatin National Forest boundary. The purpose of the barrier is to prevent upstream movement of brook trout, in order to provide a secure refuge for native YCT. Agency partners would remove brook trout in streams above the barrier, leaving a secure refuge for YCT. As opportunities to implement preservation downstream arise, the impassable element would be removed, allowing for expansion of secured habitat. This project will also reduce sediment loading into the Shields River by directing its flow away from a highly erodible shale cliff. Construction of a new bridge is necessary to elevate the road prism height to accommodate the leap barrier underneath the bridge. The second objective of this comprehensive project is reducing sediment loading into the Shields River, which is consistent with the TMDL and Watershed Restoration Plan (WRP) developed for the SVWG. Forest roads are among the substantial sources of fine sediment to streams in this watershed and irnplementing road improvements is among the actions identified in the WRP. A third consideration within the larger project area is the potentialfor many culverts at road crossings in order present barriers to fish movement. Native species conservation often brings the paradox of promoting fish passage in some circumstances, while preventing fish passage in others. Factors considered in selecting the preferred option include the need to protect migratory life history strategies and the potentialto lose populations following invasion of nonnative species. Hence, this project establishes a balance between the pros and cons of passage versus isolation by ensuring road crossings within the project area are passable, while preventing the reinvasion by brook trout or other nonnative species, The barrier will protect approximately 25 miles of occupied habitat, significantly exceeding the recommended minimum of five miles while also modeling the probability of longterm persistence of YCT based on habitat quality and indicates the amount of habitat secured by this project is more than sufficient to support YCT well into the future. The project connectivity allows YCT to recolonize in areas where future catastrophic disturbances threaten the elimination of subpopulations. YCT rapidly repopulate streams where they have been extirpated by fire or debris flows if well connected to other streams with source populations. Please note, the Gallatin National Forest has been making efforts toward improvement of roads and crossings as a component of an ongoing project totaling over $lmillion. As the project lies entirely within the Gallatin National Forest, local landowners are limited in their ability to contribute to the project. Therefore, assisting in funds procurement allows us to contribute and collaborate with our partners in Yellowstone cutthroat trout conservation To summarize, the proposed action entails replacing the existing bridge, raising the road grade adjacent to the bridge to accommodate the height of the leap barrier, and installation of the barrier and bridge combination. The cost of this action is an estimated $451,000. Note that this is 290/o of the entire road project cost and does not include the brook trout removal component. The other benefit would be decreased loading of sediment to the Shields River. The WRP includes monitoring and modeling recommendations to calculate the decrease in sediment loading, which the SM//G can use in calculating progress towards their sediment reduction goals. Tooa/ Co^*orr Su,rau Corcornat/br( " 5242 Highway 89 South Livingston, MT 59047 Tef ephone 406-222-2899x 1 1 1 Fax 406-222-8538 January 20,2015 To whom it may concern, I'm a rancher, a Shields Valley Watershed Basin member/participant, and a Supervisor of the Park County Conservation District. I'm writing in support of the Upper Shields River Fish Barrier and Road lmprovements project proposal submitted to the DNRC Renewable Resource Grant & Loan program by the Park Conservation District. The Shields Valley agriculture producers and landowners have invested money, time and their own labor towards efforts in preventing the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout from being listed as an endangered species. The project we are proposing will help to ensure that our effotts spanning over the previous 15 years will not have been in vain. We feel that listing of the trout may cause a burden to our ranching enterprises in the Shields Valley. Furthermore, the proposed project location is well above where irrigation diversions exist and thus would not create a conflict with existing practices. Thank you for your consideration and I sincerely hope the referenced project is selected to be funded through the DNRC Renewable Resource Grant & Loan program. Ned Zimmerman Rancher and Park CD Supervisor From: Grover, Katya Sent: Saturday, March 14,20tS 3:24 PM To: Berger, Becky Subject: H85: FW: Build Montana From : Ka rl Roesch [mai tto : ka rll roeschO bUlkfoot, netj Sent: Saturday, March L4, 20LS B:08 AM To: Grover, Katya Subject: Build Montana I support build Montana However would like to see some free be systems scrutinized and reduced. Thanks Karl Roesch ADF!=*PF"q $_, HB #403 hearing of 0311312015 DO$*oill.o.,;:*W"f,$ Response to Request for Information RE: page 1, lines 27 -29 "Fire Protection Measures, Capitol Complex" $300,000 State Special Revenue (GSD intemal services funds) o Governor's LRBP priority #1 l; pg 42-43of Vol. 3 o Project begins the process of modernization of fire detection/protection systems. o Initial focus is replacing outdated fire detection and alarm systems with modern panels capable of point by point annunciation and able to be networked together to allow monitoring from a central location. . Capitol is the current central location but does yet monitor all buildings on the complex and does not indicate where an alarm may occur in those buildings that are monitored. o Process of modernization would include re-engineering to bring the systems up to date with current code requirements. . Network infrastructure is required to connect the individual building panels to the Capitol Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP). o Nearly all existing panels are different brands/vintages and not network-capable. o Panel replacement in existing buildings will also be required in order to centralize the monitoring system. o Buildings would be brought into the network as modern FACPs are installed. o It may prove appropriate to modernizethe building systems first, then tie them into a centralized location. o Capitol: o Desire is to eventually install a VESDA brand, or equivalent, air sampling smoke detection system in the Capitol. o The VESDA type system is an air sampling system that uses fewer detection stations and moves the air to the detector through a system of tubes so it can sample a much larger area than a regular detector. o Due to the Capitol's openness and hard ceiling construction, it would be difficult and expensive to install smoke detectors throughout the building at their standard spacing of30 feet. o If a sprinkler system is desired in the Capitol instead, the existing smoke detectors and pull stations could remain as-is. Cost for a sprinkler system is unknown. o The Capitol currently has a 3-year old Notifier 3030 addressable fire alarm panel. The 3030 is Notifier's largest, most advanced, and most scalable FACP so it was planned to be the central monitor for the entire fire alarm network. . GSD's priority order for FACP modernization is: o 1520 E 6'n - Metcalf Building o 125 N Roberts - Mitchell Building o 1401 E Lockey - Cogswell Building o 920 Front Street - Print/Mail/Storage o 1320 Bozeman - Records Management o 13 l5 E Lockey - Walt Sullivan Building o 111 N Sanders - PHHS Building o 2 Carson Street - Executive Residence o 1310 E Lockey - Old Livestock o 1301 E Lockev - Old Board of Health General Services Division identified the following buildings and fire protection projects as part of its Long-Range Building Program requests in July 2014: Fire Protection Modernization - Capitol Complex Buildings $2,080,000 This project would include modernization of fire detection systems and fire sprinkler systems in the Capitol Complex buildings. The aging detection systems having limited coverage and sub-optimal evacuation notification in nurnerous buildings has been an issue raised by past and current property insurance carriers and local fire marshals. Many of the fire alarm systems are over 25 years old. Additionally a fire alarm network with integration and control software would allow monitoring and management of the buildings' systems from a central location thereby decreasing response time, minimizing false alarms, and increasing situational awareness. 1100 N Last Chance Gulch $60,000 lllNSanders $60,000 1227 11"'Avenue $25,000 125 N Roberts $200,000 1301 E Lockev $40,000 1301 E Sixth Ave Air Sampling Smoke Detection $250,000 1310 E Lockey $40,000 13 l5 E Lockev $120,000 l320Bozeman Avenue $45,000 1401 E Lockey $200,000 1424 9"'Avenue $25,000 1520 E 6th Avenue s200.000 2 Carson Street $35,000 215 N Sanders Sprinkler System Expansion $500,000 304 N Ewine $30,000 920 Front Street $100.000 Enterprise Fire Alarm Network $150,000 Total $2,080,000 Fire Protection Systems Installation - Capitol Complex Buildings $ 640'000 This project would include installation of fire detection systems in buildings which currently have non-monitored stand-alone smoke detectors or no detection. Occupant safety and structure protection will be enhanced with monitored f,rre alarm systems. I l8 N Roberts $25,000 120 N Roberts $30,000 1205 8'n Avenue $30,000 1209 8* Avenue $30,000 l2l8 E 6"'Avenue $40,000 1219 8'n Avenue $30,000 1225 8* Avenue $30,000 12368 6'n Avenue $35,000 1400 8"'Avenue $30,000 1404 8* Avenue $30,000 I4l0ll2 8'n Avenue $30,000 1410 8th Avenue $30,000 1410 8"'Avenue $10,000 I4l2ll2 8"'Avenue $30,000 I4l2 8'" Avenue $30,000 1,425 9'" Avenue $10,000 1500 E 6'n Avenue $55,000 16 West Custer s40,000 2668 Broadwater Ave. $35,000 326 Washington $30,000 425 N Roberts $30,000 Total $640,000 {rcn n1cc ' s/ lol/{ C= n,l t|/ t't Ce ?ru,^ /. I Gr ) rr f J flP lt Ca -+/o tr\ Step 4 Technical Presentation 1. Proiectldentification Physical Location Gallatin County is bordered by Meagher County to the north, Park County to the east, Jefferson and Broadwater Counties to the west and Yellowstone Park to the south. See map Figure 1. Gallatin County is: . 1,683,721 acres o 2630.86 square miles o 47%o in Public Lands o l.lYo water . Max Elevation 10,705 r Min Elevation 3,930 . Distance East to West: 49 miles o Distance North to South : 118 miles Project Type The proposed project is to establish a septic system revolving loan program Problems Aging infrastructure: Since 1966, Gallatin Countyhas approved 16,600 septic permits. Over 660/o of these approved septic systems are at the end of their expectant life. Properly functioning wastewater systems are important to protect human health and to maintain water quality. An average septic system connected to a household can treat up to 300 gallons of household waste every day. If the system is not functioning correctly, the untreated sewage ends up in the groundwater, drinking water, lakes and streams. Population growth: Between 1990 and 2009,the population of Gallatin County increased by about 79o/o. Gallatin County's population continues to lead the state in population growth and is projected to break 100,000 by 2017, making the county one of the fastest growing in the state. As the County population continues to increase, more septic systems will be installed throughout the valley increasing the potential impact on the County's water resources Construction costs: On average, a wastewater treatment system can cost between $6,000 and $10,000. These costs are substantial. According to per capital projections estimated by the data mining firm Woods and Pool, personal incomes average $39,051. 2. Proiect History Need for project In order to succeed, a permitting and compliance program must not only consistently regulate but also investigate and pursue options that compel compliance with local regulation. Discussions between the Gallatin County Compliance Department and the Step 4 Technical Presentation Pase2 of7 Environmental Health program revealed that a lack of financial resources prevented some properfy owners from completing septic system upgrades necessary to comply with state and local regulations. Past efforts Gallatin County has made considerable efforts to quanti$ the impact of wastewater disposal within the county. In 2010, the Gallatin Local Water Quality District completed a comprehensive analysis of wastewater treatment in Gallatin County. In addition, the Planning Department, Health Department and local water quality district each examine the needs of a growing population in context of smart planning and protecting human health and the environment. Related programs A septic system revolving loan fund is not a novel concept. Programs are successfully funding septic upgrades across the county. In Montana, other counties have already established similar programs to the one proposed by Gallatin County. Financial assistance is already apart of the permitting and compliance programs in Sanders and Lewis and Clark Countv. In Lewis and Clark Countv- theJ-gke Helena Watershed {gplgEg})4 (i,og,u^providesiffistopropertyownerSwhohavii'[septicsvsGminfr6oor / repair or replacement, meet income requirements, and live within the Lake Helena Watershed. 1 The loan program is administered jointly by the Lewis and Clark City-County Health t-Deputttent and the Montana Business Assistance Connection. 3. Purpose The purpose of the Gallatin County Septic System Revolving Loan Fund is to protect human health and preserve water quality through the administration of a loan and grant program used to fund the design and construction of failing septic systems. The revolving loan fund will strengthen the County's regulatory framework to protect and preserve water quality. This program aligns with the RRGL program objectives because it will strengthen the administration of Gallatin County's health code and preserve and/or protect the County's water resources. Proposed Project Objectives Objective: Provide funding to upgrade noncompliant septic systems in Gallatin County Tasks: a Develop & implement an application process a Develop & implement an administration process a Develop & implement qualiffing criteria Objective: Close at least l0 open wastewater case files in 2016 Tasks: a Identify open unresolved cases a Notiff public of the program a Encourage property owners to participate in program Step 4 Technical Presentation Page3 of7 Objective: Preserve water quality and aquatic and fish habitat through improved wastewater treatment. Tasks: . Facilitate improvements to failing septic systems . Identify priority areas in Gallatin County to focus efforts Objective: Improve the permitting and compliance efforts of Gallatin County Tasks: . Streamline violation notification process . Coordinate compliance efforts between Compliance, Health & Attorney . Remove the financial obstacle which prevents compliance 4. Describe the current condition of the renewable resource Water The Gallatin watershed is a large and diverse area. It originates high on the Yellowstone Plateau in Yellowstone National Park and covers nearly 1.2 million acres (1,800 mi2;. The Gallatin watershed consists of two main river systems: The Gallatin River (often referred to as the West Gallatin River) and the East Gallatin River. The Gallatin River originates in Yellowstone National Park and is 103 miles long. The East Gallatin River, which is 4l miles in length, originates in the Gallatin and Bridger Mountain Ranges on the eastern edge of the watershed. The watershed consists of 23 major water bodies totaling 394 miles of stream. In the lower Gallatin watershed, there are 16 streams listed as impaired by Montana Departrnent of Environmental Quality. This means that they do not meet state water quality standards and designated beneficial uses, including Water Quality and Aquatic Life (the plants and animals that are the basis of a healthy aquatic ecosystem). In Gallatin County, the impairments are primarily caused by excess nutrients (total nitrogen, total phosphorus and excess algal growth) originating from several sources, one of which is improper wastewater disposal. Factors causing increase in water pollution Noncompliant septic systems While it is difficult to quantify the number of septic systems currently not meeting state and local standards, the Health Department estimates that, on average, they are notified of 20 unpern-ritted septic systems each year. These systems have not been reviewed against state and local regulations and most likely require upgrades to adequately treat wastewater. Permitted septic systems may also fail to function as they were designed. On average, the Health Department receives a half dozen surfacing sewage complaints each year. Sewage surfaces and odor emanates from septic systems when they are failing or not functioning correctly. Many of these failing systems require upgrades as well. Population growth Between 1990 and 2009 the population of Gallatin County increased by about 79%o. Gallatin County's population continues to lead the state in population growth and is projected to break Step 4 Technical Presentation Page 4 of7 100,000 by 2017, making the county one of the fastest growing in the state. As the County population continues to increase, more septic systems will be installed throughout the valley increasing the potential impact on the County's water resources. Aging population Not only is Gallatin County's population growing, it is also aging. Projections show the number of people 65 and older will jump 72Yo, from about 8,500 in 2010 to about 14,700 in 2020. As the county population ages, more people will rely on fixed incomes, making the costs associated with septic system upgrades difficult, if not impossible. Aging infrastructure Since 1966, Gallatin Countyhas approved 16,600 septic permits. Over 66%o of these approved septic systems are at the end of their expectant life. An average septic system connected to a household can treat up to 300 gallons of household waste every day. If the system is not functioning correctly, the untreated sewage ends up in the groundwater, drinking water, lakes and streams. 5. Desired Outcome Goal: Improve water quality in Gallatin County Non-compliant septic systems release wastewater into the watershed that is not treated to meet state water quality standards. Through the proposed project, Gallatin County aims to facilitate septic system upgrades so that systems are constructed to meet state and local regulatory standards so wastewater is appropriately treated before it enters the watershed. The County recognizes protecting water quality is in the public interest and that financial constraints prevent properties in violation from achieving compliance. The proposed project aims to remove the financial obstacle so that adequate wastewater treatment is possible for everyone, not just those that can afford it. While the County cannot prevent the population from growing or aging, it can address the problem of an aging infrastructure and noncompliant septic systems by requiring compliance with state and local regulations and facilitating compliance. The proposed program is a necessary component in the effort of facilitating compliance. Goal: Protect Human Health The proposed project will benefit public health through the preservation of the County's drinking water source. According to a 2010 report, residents in Gallatin County, with the exception of City of Bozeman residents, rely on ground water for their drinking water supply. When a septic system fails, untreated sewage is released into the groundwater. Inadequately treated sewage from failing septic systems poses a significant threat to drinking water and human health because diseases and infections may be transferred to people and animals directly and immediately. Dysentery, hepatitis, typhoid fever, and acute gastrointestinal illness are solne of the more serious examples. Inadequately treated sewage from failing septic systems is the most frequently reported cause of groundwater contamination. The proposed program will Step 4 Technical Presentation Page 5 of7 provide the resources necessary for qualified applicants to upgrade the failing system so that the wastewater is treated before reachins the aquifer. 6. Alternatives No Action Alternative Under the "No Action Alternative," the status quo is maintained. Systems in violation will remain non-compliant with the state and local regulations. Families may be forced to leave their homes and property values would decrease. Failing septic systems would continue to release untreated wastewater into ground and surface water. A "no action alternative" will not protect human health nor will it improve water quality in Gallatin County. Nonprofit program A nonprofit organization could start a similar funding program as the one purposed in this application. However, without involvement from Gallatin County, the program may not receive as much interest or be accessible to the same people. In addition, a nonprofit may find it difficult to focus resources on areas susceptible to degradation of water quality. While water quality may be improved and human health may be protected, without County input, the program will be less effective. 1 Alternative costs and benefits No Action Alternative While the financial costs to a no action alternative are lower than the costs associated with proposed project, Gallatin County receives no benefit to water quality. In addition, the no action alternative may result in an increased financial burden to Gallatin County as property values will decrease and health care costs will increase due to negative impacts on water quality. Nonprofit program A nonprofit sponsored revolving loan program would also require funding to establish a revolving loan program. A loan program sponsored in this way would protect human health and water quality, however, may not have the same impact as the County-sponsored program. The County implernents the septic permit program, and receives complaints and inquiries frorn the community regarding septic system upgrades. This information can be used to allocate funds to area most sensitive to system failures and would be lacking if the program was not sponsored by the County. 8. Project implementation plan descripfion Overall Approach: In general, the proposed project is a Gallatin County revolving loan fund where the central fund is replenished as individual projects pay back their loans, creating the opportunity to issue other loans to new projects. The County will identify potential applicants and facilitate the application process. A local organization will administer the funds and accept monthly payments on the County's behalf. A transition period will follow once the initial loans are awarded, as the fund is replenished through payments. However, the goal of the project is to establish the revolving loan program so that it is used well into the future. Step 4 Technical Presentation Page 6 of7 Project phases: Phase #1 Obtain grant funding Task: Complete application, Nicole Olmstead Compliance Department (4Ohours) Task: Define Administrative process & resource needs, Nicole Olmstead & local organization (5 hours) The tasks are necessary in order to establish the Gallatin County Septic System Revolving loan fund. The funding must be secured and loan terms established prior to providing any loans. Phase #2 Establish Loan program Task: Complete schematic of process, Nicole Olmstead, local organization, Health Department (10 hours) Task: Define application process, loan terms, payment options, Nicole Olmstead, local organization (20 hours) Task: Develop application form and other necessary paper work to apply for loan program, Nicole Olmstead, local organization (10 hours) Task: Work to develop an applicant referral process, Nicole Olmstead, Health Department (10 hours) Task: Coordinate a review team to consider applications, Nicole Olmstead (10 hours) The tasks are necessary in order to facilitate the Gallatin County Septic System Revolving loan fund. Process must be defined, options identified and forms created in order to allocate funds in a systematic way. Phase #3 Allocate funds Task: Process applications, local organization (2 hours per application) Task: Notifr applicant of funding status, Nicole Olmstead (1 hour per application) Task: Review project proposals, Health Department through normal septic permit review process (4 hours per application) Task: Allocate funds, local organization (1 hour per application) Task: Review projects utilizing funds and compliance follow up, Nicole Olmstead (2 hours per application) The tasks are necessary in order to successfully award funds to upgrade non-compliant septic systems. Phase #4 Collect payment and reallocate funds Task: Process monthly payments, local organization (.5 hour per application) Task: Process necessary paperwork, Nicole Olmstead, local organization (l hour per application) Task: Monitor payments & allocate additional loans, Nicole Olmstead, local organization annual review (10 hours) Step 4 Technical Presentation Pase7 of7 Tasks are necessary to establish the program's long term effectiveness and the "revolving" component of the program. Ultimately, the money will be used again and again to upgrade non-compliant septic systems. Contracted Services Gallatin County will contract with local organization to implement administrative duties associated with the proposed program. The local organization will be contracted to complete the following: o Process loan applications . Run credit checks . Complete and file all necessary legal paperwork . Distributes funds to vendors for approved projects r Collect monthly payments . Compile data to be used for grant reporting