Governor Celebrates Billion-dollar Boost For Montana’s Schools

Greg Gianforte and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation announced the state has reached $1 billion in permanent investments from state trust land revenues, a milestone officials say strengthens long term funding for public education.

The investment, placed in the Trust Fund Investment Pool, consists of revenue generated from state trust lands, including oil and gas royalties, timber sales and easements. The funds are invested monthly, with interest earnings distributed quarterly to designated beneficiaries, primarily K-12 public schools.

Gianforte said the milestone provides greater stability for school funding across Montana.

“Providing reliable funding for our K-12 schools is one of our top priorities, and DNRC continues to deliver results for the people of Montana,” Gianforte said. “Reaching this level of interest-earning permanent investment ensures greater predictability and certainty for Montana’s public schools.”

According to the state, the principal investment is protected under the Montana Constitution and cannot be spent or redirected, serving as a long term financial foundation for schools and other public institutions.

Amanda Kaster, director of the DNRC, said the achievement reflects ongoing management of state trust lands.

Get our free mobile app

“State trust lands are working lands that directly support Montana by funding schools, universities, and other public institutions across the state,” Kaster said.

The DNRC manages about 5.2 million acres of state trust land. Those lands generate revenue through forestry, agriculture, grazing and commercial and energy leasing. State officials say the interest earnings from the trust fund average about $30 million annually, supporting school operations, facilities and classroom technology.