Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer Announces $4.5 Million in Savings – No Renovations at Receiving Hospital

Governor Brian Schweitzer today announced that the taxpayers will keep $4.5 million in the bank as a result of not renovating the Receiving Hospital Building on the Montana State Hospital Campus.

“Just like Montana families have to make decisions about finances in these times, so does state government,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “We will continue to be accountable for every dollar.”

The building already has numerous challenges including broken sewer lines, a failing heating system and structural flaws, this renovation would be a band aid on larger, overall problems with the building and would result in more ongoing costs. The building does not house any patients or state offices. Governor Schweitzer has made the decision that the Receiving Hospital renovation is not in the best interest of the tax payers.

Last week Governor Schweitzer announced the state will not be bailing-out Swank Enterprises for $600,000 of the companies’ liabilities. Additionally, he announced the elimination of the RDO positions in Commerce which saves almost $380,000 this biennium, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is saving an estimated $119,000 annually by using video conferencing and the state will not be printing a state directory saving an estimated $20,000.