Senators celebrate funds approval, but county says benefit is limited

The revival of funding painted as bringing $333,967 to Jefferson County was the topic of celebratory statements by both of Montana’s senators last week, even though only one of them voted in support of the funding.

And despite the celebratory statements, Jefferson County Commissioner Bob Mullen says the action does not amount to any “net” new funds for the county.

The senators said the renewed Secure Rural Schools (SRS) initiative will deliver $14 million to Montana to help fund critical county-run services like law enforcement, schools and roads. Congress let the program expire in 2015, but Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat, spearheaded an effort to revive the funding.