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Committee reviews $43.3M in repairs and $784M of spending authority in long‑range building program
Summary
Representative John Fitzpatrick presented House Bill 5, detailing 56 major‑repair projects totaling $43.3 million and roughly $784 million in spending authority for capital projects, with questions about federal funding stability and a planned amendment addressing a mental‑health facility.
Representative John Fitzpatrick (House District 76) told the Senate Finance and Claims committee that House Bill 5 is the state long‑range building program, covering three components: major repairs (projects under $2.5 million), capital development projects (over $2.5 million), and operating expenses tied to new or renovated facilities.
Fitzpatrick said the major‑repair section includes 56 projects totaling about $43.3 million. The bill contains roughly $784 million in spending authority when including items for which the state would only provide authority rather than cash. He said the subcommittee trimmed nearly $10 million in capital development and about $8.2 million in state special revenue items but added $50 million of spending authority. Fitzpatrick also noted two new cell blocks planned for Deer Lodge — an expansion of about 500 beds.
Proponents included Russ Katherman of the Architecture and Engineering Division, who described the planning and cost estimates, and representatives from Fish, Wildlife & Parks and conservation groups who supported Habitat Montana allocations. Erica Thomas of the Legislative Fiscal Division provided packet materials and a fund‑balance table showing pending legislation affecting the capital development fund.
Senator Ellis questioned the security of federal funding that underpins some projects. Fitzpatrick said staff and the budget office have “rumors and innuendo” but no definitive information and that the committee should proceed assuming funds will be available; he acknowledged that if federal money does not arrive some projects — particularly those in the Department of Military Affairs largely funded with federal dollars — could be shelved.
Committee members discussed project prioritization, bundling and design standardization to save costs, and the subcommittee’s direction to architecture and engineering to economize where possible. Fitzpatrick said an amendment from a senator to adjust a mental‑health facility proposal is expected during executive action.
What happens next: the committee will consider executive action and the sponsor indicated he supports adding the forthcoming amendment on mental‑health facility costs.
