Billings Working to Improve Infrastructure Grade

The Montana Infrastructure Coalition is working to improve the C-minus grade given two years ago to the overall quality of the state’s infrastructure.  Billings is a new voting member of the group.
The C-minus grade, given by the Montana Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, included a D-plus for wastewater, a C-plus for transit and a D-minus for schools.  Darryl James, executive director of the coalition, briefed city leaders, contractors and engineers Thursday on the steps it plans to take during the 2017 Legislature to increase available revenue and improve the state’s infrastructure.  Coalition members agree they want to grow the pie rather than seek a larger slice of it.
Over the past two sessions, lawmakers and Gov. Steve Bullock have failed to find compromise on funding infrastructure improvements in the state.  Last month, the city council approved becoming a voting member of the Montana Infrastructure Coalition.