President Donald Trump recently signed several appropriation bills, including about $8 million for western Montana-related projects.

This is part of more than $35 million in taxpayer funds that Congressman Ryan Zinke requested for fiscal year 2026, and it included some proposals that failed to reach the president’s desk. 

In a press release, Zinke said, “These proposals come directly from county commissioners and sheriffs who are on the front lines every day. They know what needs to be done to improve public safety and infrastructure, and these projects will make a real difference in the communities they serve.” 

The largest secured is $2.89 million to help five counties make bulk vehicle purchases and other equipment deemed important by the sheriff’s offices. 

“It’s a technology grant that I worked on with Sonny Capece when he was still with (Congressman) Zinke’s office. We submitted it, went through MACo (Montana Association of Counties), and received an MOU. We went through the proper channels, and it was signed by the president last week,” explained Mineral County Sheriff Ryan Funke. 

Funke spearheaded the grant process and was recognized for his efforts at the county commissioners' conference room last Tuesday when representatives of Zinke’s staff paid a visit. Garrett Brown, Communications Director for Congressman Zinke, said the way this request was packaged was unique and that other states were impressed. 

“It was bundled together with like-minded needs, indicating a cohesive requirement with strong interagency communication,” he said. 

The Five County Law Enforcement Resiliency Project supports sheriffs in Mineral, Lake, Beaverhead, Lincoln and Sanders counties. Funke stated that he also ran this project through Sen. Tim Sheehy’s office, just in case it hit a snag in Congress. The timing of the money is vague, but being approved and signed, it is coming, and Mineral County will house the funding.

The conversation turned to housing, the economy, infrastructure, and what Zinke wants to do for Montana. 

John Bockmier, a Washington, D.C.-based senior advisor said, “The projects Congressman Zinke is looking for are infrastructure and law enforcement. That doesn’t mean that what you submit has to be in that realm, but those are two that he feels, particularly for rural counties, are above their current financial standing, and he’s trying to help out.” 

He stressed that it is a long process, giving everyone a little background with an example of an appropriations bill that made it all the way to the end and ended up in the trash because nobody could come to an agreement on the big picture. 

Also attending were Ben VanSickle, Washington, D.C.-based chief of staff/legislative director, and Steve Howke, District Director (Flathead -based). Matt Zacharias was introduced as the Field Representative and Veterans Liaison based in Missoula, who is the point-person and can be reached at 406-590-2068.