Rep. Ryan Zinke, U.S. Representative for Montana's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Ryan Zinke, U.S. Representative for Montana's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
HAMILTON, MT - Today, Congressman Ryan Zinke, representing western Montana, was present at a ceremony in Ravalli County where a one-million-dollar grant was awarded for the repair of Rickets Road, also known as Old Highway 93, in the Bitterroot Valley.
The project aims to improve 2.55 miles of Ricketts Road, which has not seen resurfacing in 25 years. These repairs will address significant roadway decay and include the installation of drainage and irrigation culverts to prevent further damage and flooding. This road serves as a crucial alternative route from US Highway 93 for local residents, businesses, and emergency services in a county surrounded by steep mountainous wilderness areas.
Representative Zinke emphasized the importance of such investments in infrastructure for a rapidly growing area like the Bitterroot Valley, stating, “Infrastructure is not merely an expense, it’s an investment and the way the Bitterroot Valley is growing in population and commerce we need to be making more of those investments like in Ricketts Road.”
Ravalli County Commissioner Greg Chilcot expressed gratitude towards Congressman Zinke for his efforts, saying, “Many thanks to Congressman Zinke for bringing these requests full circle. Our County is a great place to live, and we appreciate Congressman Zinke for helping us keep it that way.”
The funding for the project was secured through the U.S. House of Representatives Community Project Funding policy, which allows Members of the House to propose local projects for funding from eligible grant programs. This particular project, along with others, went through a series of legislative approvals, ultimately receiving support from the House Appropriations Committee, of which Zinke is a member, and the full House of Representatives before being included in the joint funding package approved by both the House and Senate and signed by the President.
The successful securing of this grant highlights the collaborative efforts of Congressman Zinke, local stakeholders, and county officials in addressing the growing infrastructure needs of Ravalli County.
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