1. United States
2. Mont.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my urgent concern regarding the increasingly dangerous conditions on U.S. Highway 93, specifically the corridor running through the Mission Valley between Missoula and Kalispell. This stretch of road is a vital lifeline for our rural communities and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), serving as the primary connection to medical appointments, pharmacies, education, and emergency services. The current state of the highway is a matter of life and death. Since January 2024, 25 people have lost their lives in crashes on this segment of the road. Most recently, on March 9, 2026, a woman and her infant were killed in a head-on collision near Arlee. This tragedy follows a devastating crash in August that claimed the lives of four women in the Post Creek area. Beyond the tragic loss of life, frequent highway closures due to accidents severely disrupt local businesses and community operations. While the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the CSKT have developed essential safety plans—including the installation of turn lanes, eight-foot shoulders, and a 500-foot wildlife bridge over Crow Creek to reduce grizzly bear collisions—these projects have reached a critical funding impasse. A $75 million grant awarded in 2023 was recently rescinded following the passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill," leaving a massive funding gap. Although $10 million remains available for planning and development, the funds necessary to complete the construction are no longer there. MDT and tribal officials remain committed to these improvements, but they need federal support to move forward. I urge you to take immediate action to reassess funding opportunities and restore the resources needed to finish these projects. The safety of Montana residents and visitors should not be sidelined while the death toll on this highway continues to mount. Thank you for your time and for your commitment to the safety of our citizens.