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Federal Agency Says Montana Needs to Replenish 911 Account

State lawmakers transferred $2 million from the account to pay for buyouts in the Montana University System

By Associated Press

MISSOULA — The Federal Communications Commission says Montana needs to return $2 million to the state’s 911 account.

The Missoulian reported Tuesday that the funds generated from 911 fees were placed in a state account holding $12 million in 2017.

State lawmakers transferred $2 million from the account to pay for buyouts in the Montana University System.

A Sept. 9 letter to Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock from FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly says 911 fee diversion “is unacceptable under any circumstances.”

O’Rielly’s letter says the diversion makes Montana ineligible for federal “Next-Generation 911” grants to pay for new infrastructure installation.

The infrastructure upgrades allow video, photos, text messages and other digital information to flow through the 911 emergency communications network.

The governor’s office says it plans to review and respond to the letter.