Local Governments Sue Governor Schweitzer Over Vetoes

Six local governments have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Brian Schweitzer over his line-item vetoes of money for their local bridge and water projects.

Carbon, Fergus, Madison and Sweet Grass counties, the city of Roundup and the town of Sheridan filed the lawsuit in District Court in Helena last week. They also named Commerce Director Dore Schwinden and the state of Montana.

The local governments question the constitutionality of Schweitzer's vetoes of their projects, which were to be funded with money from the Treasure State Endowment Program.

Schweitzer said he vetoed funding for a wastewater project in Sheridan and for bridges in Madison and Fergus counties because lawmakers from those areas voted against the bill that allocated the money.

Associated Press