Baucus seeks funds to help fight invasive aquatic species

A funding measure to support boat inspection stations in the effort to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species into Montana was passed by the U.S. Senate on May 15.

Sen. Max Baucus said he helped secure $30 million as matching funds for state efforts aimed at zebra and quagga mussels. The funding is part of the Water Resources Development Act, which will head to the U.S. House for approval.

The invasive mussels attach themselves to hulls, docks, inlet or outlet pipes, rocks and just about any surface with disastrous results. With no natural predator, they can quickly grow and block water needed for power plants, irrigation or drinking water systems, cover beaches with sharp-edged shells, and damage fisheries and ecosystems.

Baucus said Montana currently lacks sufficient boat inspection stations or funding keep the mussels out of Montana waters.

“Tourism and recreation on Flathead Lake are critical to supporting jobs and economic growth in western Montana,” he said. “This investment will protect Flathead Lake and the jobs that depend on it.”

According to Caryn Miske, executive director of the Flathead Basin Commission, the money would be provided over 10 years to four states in the Columbia River Basin — Montana, Washington, Idaho and Oregon — and require a 50/50 match from those states.