WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg today met with a delegation from the Billings City Council to discuss priorities for the fiscal year 2010 Appropriations process as well as legislative and regulatory concerns facing the City of Billings.  Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has secured funding for numerous projects that benefit the Billings Community. 

“Whether it's working in Washington, D.C. or traveling to Montana’s 56 counties, I always enjoy meeting with Montanans to talk about how I can serve them,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “The lines of communication between local and federal decision makers is important in the process.  In past years I’ve been able to work on city of Billings priorities.   Without open lines of communication regarding Montana's needs, we might as well cede our voice to bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.”

In the FY2009 Appropriations cycle, Rehberg secured funding for Billings including two priority projects requested by the City Council.  For example, the Digital Video Project received $260,000 for digital in-car video equipment for 70 patrol cars, providing a significant improvement over the VHS equipment currently being used. This project enhances officer safety and accountability.  Additionally, $247,000 in funding was secured for the Billings Paratransit System which serves the elderly and disabled community with a large van service six days a week.