Downing Applauds Passage of Funding for Montana Law Enforcement, Infrastructure

Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) released a statement following House passage of H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026. The legislation includes nearly $3,629,000 in total funding for local priorities across Yellowstone, Lewis and Clark, Cascade, and Toole Counties which can be referenced in Division Aand Division Cof the bill's Joint Explanatory Statement. Funded projects include the replacement of a critical piece of infrastructure in the Billings Bench Water Association's canal system, upgraded crime scene and communications equipment for law enforcement, and detention center upgrades.

Passage of H.R. 6938 is a critical step in securing funding for the projects. Following approval by the full House of Representatives, the legislation must be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President. Each member is limited in the number of projects they can submit, and the application process is extremely competitive. This is the first time in years that a Congressman from Montana's Eastern District has advocated for community project funding.

"Montanans, not Washington bureaucrats, know best when it comes to addressing the needs of our communities," said Congressman Downing. "These funding requests were submitted in close consultation with local stakeholders and promise to greatly expand law enforcement capabilities and critical infrastructure. If there's money to be spent in Montana's Second District, I'll fight for every cent to deliver for my constituents."

"The City of Billings sincerely thanks Congressman Downing for his leadership in securing funding for the Canyon Creek Flume project in legislation currently under consideration by the House of Representatives," said Billings Mayor Mike Nelson. "This project is vital to the long-term resilience of Billings' water system, and the federal investment he championed will help protect and strengthen our infrastructure for decades to come."

"Great Falls is safer when law enforcement has the right tools," said Great Falls PD Captain Brian Black. "Thanks to appropriations funding through the U.S. Department of Justice, we now have this advanced equipment to help investigators bring clarity to complex cases, protect victims, and keep our community safe and strong."

"Every major crime scene requires meticulous documentation," said Great Falls PD Detective Sergeant Joe Dusatko. "Great Falls is fortunate to have a team of talented and capable investigators, and this equipment aids in their efforts to ensure an objective, precise, and complete record of a crime. This protects case integrity and provides the County Attorney's Office with the most accurate information, so they may present the strongest possible case."

"This equipment is a force multiplier and greatly helps our investigations," said Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter. "It creates accurate depictions of complex crimes scenes that provide the necessary evidence in court. I would like to thank Congressman Downing for advocating for our community."

"Thank you Congressman Downing and the US Congress for recognizing the criticality of public safety communication," said Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton. "Montana's beautifully created topography can be an unforgiving barrier for vital communications. This appropriation will aid our first responders in calling for back up and allow search and rescue and paramedics to communicate in this rugged terrain. For law enforcement, that can be longer than a hour and a half. We are thankful you are willing to help save lives. Please give this critical funding a do pass."

"While national trends show some violent crimes declining in major cities, our county has experienced significant strain on our existing detention infrastructure," said Toole County Commissioner Terry Tomsheck. "Our current facility is operating well above the recommended 80-85% capacity threshold for safe and effective facility management. The proposed new detention center will incorporate essential modern features including enhanced supervision capabilities, advanced security monitoring systems, improved safety measures, and specialized housing units. The safety of our community and the proper treatment of those in custody depend on this critical infrastructure investment."

"Yellowstone County has long been in need of additional detention capacity to hold the criminals that threaten our communities accountable,"said Yellowstone County Commissioner Mike Waters. "In certain circumstances, law enforcement lacks the resources to detain the perpetrators of lesser offenses like misdemeanors. The Yellowstone County Short Term Detention Facility will help to address this problem, and the funding that Congressman Downing advocated for will provide the facility with the tools to ensure justice can be served."

See below for a complete list of community project funding initiatives included in H.R. 6938:

Canyon Creek Flume Replacement Project
Recipient: City of Billings
Amount: $1,000,000
This project will replace the Canyon Creek flume, which is a critical piece of infrastructure in the Billings Bench Water Association's canal system. Its age and current condition make it susceptible to failure.
Certification Letter

Crime Scene Laser Scanner and Crime Scene Processing Equipment
Recipient: City of Great Falls / Great Falls Police Department
Amount: $128,686
This project will facilitate the purchase of Crime Scene Laser Scanner and Crime Scene Processing Equipment for the Great Falls Police Department. This laser scanner technology will allow detectives to more efficiently and accurately document crime scenes.
Certification Letter

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office Communications Equipment
Recipient: Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office
Amount: $500,000
This project will fund the purchase of 14 interoperable satellite systems for the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office. It will support county law enforcement's efforts to maintain public safety, particularly in conducting operations in remote areas like missing persons searches.
Certification Letter

Toole County Public Safety Detention Facility
Recipient: Toole County
Amount: $1,500,000
This project will support the renovation of Toole County's detention facility. It will expand its inmate capacity and incorporate essential modern features like enhanced supervision capabilities, advanced security monitoring systems, and improved staff and inmate safety measures.
Certification Letter

Yellowstone County Short-term Detention Facility
Recipient: Yellowstone County
Amount: $500,000
This project will support the construction of a short-term detention facility for Yellowstone County by providing resources to pay for and install security control doors and corresponding access control and communications systems.
Certification Letter

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