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HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen’s votes during Monday’s Land Board meeting will generate estimated revenue of more than $1 million, with the majority benefiting the state’s K-12 schools.
Secretary Jacobsen joined her colleagues in voting to approve oil and gas leases, a timber sale, and several easements. In total, the agenda items from Monday’s monthly meeting are estimated to generate nearly $1.1 million.
Thirty-three tracts were leased in the state’s quarterly oil and gas lease sale, with an average bid of nearly $60 per acre. One tract in Roosevelt County received a high bid of $4,505 per acre, totaling $360,000. All total, June’s oil and gas leases generated roughly $926,000 for Montana schools.
Additionally, the Land Board approved a timber sale northeast of Belt projected to bring in at least $36,556 to Montana schools. The sale includes nearly 5,000 tons of sawlogs and will reduce the risk of wildfire, insect, and disease.
“I’m proud that our decisions on the Land Board continue to support responsible natural resource development while generating strong, reliable revenue for Montana’s schools,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “These projects help keep our forests healthy, support good-paying jobs, and ensure our students and communities benefit for years to come.”
The Land Board also approved the sale of a Department of Labor and Industry building in Billings, a Department of Corrections land exchange in Powell County, and the donation of the historic Samuel T. Hauser residence in Helena intended to be used as the executive residence for Montana governors and first families.