Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Committee hears clash over HB 657 as DEQ warns of federal funding risk
Summary
Lawmakers heard opponents including DEQ and DNRC argue House Bill 657 would transfer plan‑approval authority for city sewer and water expansions to cities that employ or contract a Montana‑licensed professional engineer, risking state primacy and potentially jeopardizing eligibility for low‑interest SRF loans and federal funds. Proponents say the change would reduce duplicative review and speed housing projects.
Representative Steve Gist introduced House Bill 657, which would allow cities that employ or contract with a Montana‑licensed professional engineer to review and approve engineering construction documents for expansions to city sewer and water systems, rather than sending the same documents to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Proponents told the House Local Government Committee that the change would reduce duplication and speed approvals for housing and other development.
The Montana League of Cities and Towns’ executive director Kelly Lynch said the proposal would codify delegations that have been used when DEQ was backlogged, giving cities the option — not the obligation — to perform reviews locally.…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
