Article Summary – The Department of Commerce has approved Michigan’s plan to increase access to broadband internet and digital skills training, sponsored by the Digital Equity Act. The plan, released by Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, estimates that around 30% of Michigan households lack fast internet access or
Article Summary – U.S. Representative Guy Reschenthaler has proposed a bill to rename Virginia’s Washington Dulles International Airport after former President Donald Trump, citing Trump’s leadership as a symbol of freedom, prosperity, and strength. Reschenthaler previously voted against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 which allocated $35 million
Article Summary – Four Wisconsin utility companies have pledged to use union labor for upcoming renewable energy projects. This commitment aligns with provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, signed by President Joe Biden in 2022, which offers tax credits to companies investing in clean power and encourages fair wages and
Article Summary – Four Wisconsin utility companies, Xcel Energy, Madison Gas and Electric, Alliant Energy, and WEC Energy Group, have pledged to use union labor in the construction of several upcoming renewable energy projects. The Inflation Reduction Act, signed by President Biden in 2022, incentivizes the building of clean energy
Article Summary – Missoula County’s two biggest wood product manufacturers, Pyramid Mountain Lumber and Roseburg Forest Products, are shutting down, impacting employment and local economies. The closures will affect not only the 250 employees of the two firms but also approximately another hundred indirectly connected jobs, such as log truck
Article Summary – The Scott Street-Ravara housing development, built on a former contaminated lumber mill site in Missoula, is under construction and includes 89 homes and 200+ apartments. The project involves 46 income-qualified and 43 market-rate condos and townhouses, along with 220-225 apartments and 35,000 sq ft of commercial space
Article Summary – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has signed two laws allowing the state to use federal funds to expand its electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The legislation will enable the state to utilize a $78 million grant from the Department of Transportation’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, spread over
Article Summary – Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen sent a poll, as ordered by a state district court, asking lawmakers whether they want to override Governor Greg Gianforte’s veto of Senate Bill 442, a marijuana tax reallocation measure. The bill, which initially passed the Legislature with broad bipartisan support,
Article Summary – The BIG WIRES Act, which demands each region of the US increase the amount of electricity it can exchange with neighboring regions, could save the country between $330 million and $2.5 billion annually, according to researchers at MIT. The Act could also reduce climate pollution by approximately
Article Summary – The Missoula City Council is advancing a sidewalk project that has raised questions about the cost to property owners. Some residents are concerned about their estimated assessments for the project, with one couple facing a bill of $9,000, leading three council members to attempt to abolish the
Article Summary – Montana Department of Transportation Director Mack Long is retiring, with Deputy Director Larry Flynn set to replace him on an interim basis. Long was appointed by Governor Greg Gianforte in January 2021 and has since emphasized customer service and streamlined permitting to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure.
The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority approved $1.5 million for eight projects, creating 270 jobs and boosting local economies.
