Historic $92 Million Given to Montana for Education: Trust Lands

It's a big payday for the Public School System in Montana.

On December 20th, Governor Gianforte and Amander Kaster, the Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), announced a historic payout of $92 million that will be distributed to public schools across the state.

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Where did the $92 Million come from?

The big bag of cash came from Montana's State Trust Lands. The DNRC manages these lands throughout the year to produce revenue for the Office of Public Instruction (OPI). The revenue generated from those efforts helps fund K-12 education.

The Montana.Gov Official Website said the historical amount generated this year was " due to multi-year hydro-electric lease rental payments being distributed from escrow." The total of that particular one-time payment was $30,937,072 from the Avista settlement.

credit: canva

How do State Trust Lands Make Money?

Revenue from these state-owned lands comes from many things, such as timber permits, grazing leases, mineral leases, real estate development, renewable energy leases, and recreation.

Recreational users of the land must have a conservation license, which costs $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Not all State Trust Lands are accessible to the public.

Past five-year payouts from Montana Trust Lands...

2020: $41.1 million
2021: $47.7 million
2022: $46.3 million
2023: $48.6 million
2024: $59.4 million

Who decides, and where will the Money be Used?

The people who decide how the money will be spent are five constitutionally elected officials in Montana. The land board officials consist of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance.

According to the Montana.Gov Official Website, the revenue will be...

"strategically utilized to address specific needs identified by OPI, including technology upgrades, curriculum development, and facility improvements."

Credit: MT.Gov , DNRC , NBC Montana

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"Located about 40 min south of Missoula in Stevensville MT. A newly finished tiny home with high-end finishings. Great location for access to tons of hiking, fly fishing, and other outdoor activities in the beautiful Bitterroot valley. Large shower with dual shower heads, stainless appliances, and plenty of room to cook, two large decks for outdoor lounging and grilling". -Airbnb (Greg)

Gallery Credit: Megan Shaul

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Gallery Credit: megan shaul