Public Meeting Details Proposed Oil Pipeline for Eastern Montana

A proposed major oil pipeline that would run through Valley County is drawing regional attention, including at a public meeting held Tuesday night in Glasgow.

The Bridger Pipeline Expansion would transport Canadian crude oil from the U.S.-Canada border in Phillips County through eastern Montana—including Valley County—before connecting to energy hubs in Wyoming. The project would span roughly 645 miles and carry up to 550,000 barrels of oil per day. 

At Tuesday’s meeting in Glasgow, residents had an opportunity to learn more about the project and provide input as part of the early environmental review process. State and federal officials emphasized that written comments submitted through May 1 will be a key part of the official record.

 Tax Impact for Valley County

One of the biggest questions locally is what the pipeline could mean for taxes and funding in Valley County.

While exact numbers have not yet been finalized, early projections and comparable pipeline data suggest:

• The pipeline would generate new property tax revenue through its physical infrastructure—primarily the pipeline itself, pump stations, and right-of-way
• That revenue would be distributed to county government, schools, and local districts
• In similar rural counties, pipeline projects have been projected to significantly boost local tax bases, in some cases increasing property tax collections by multiples where infrastructure is concentrated  

State documents indicate that pipeline projects like this typically provide ongoing property tax revenue with minimal long-term demand on local services, since operations require relatively few employees once construction is complete. 

For Valley County, that could translate into:

• Additional funding for schools and general fund budgets
• Potential support for roads, law enforcement, and public health services
• A broader tax base that could help stabilize or offset future local tax pressures

However, officials caution:

• No official dollar estimate has been released yet for Valley County
• Most economic impact would come during construction, with fewer permanent jobs afterward
• Long-term benefits depend on final routing, infrastructure placement, and assessed valuation

 Community Response

The proposal is already generating mixed reaction.

Supporters point to the potential for increased tax revenue and short-term economic activity, especially in rural counties like Valley County.

Opponents, however, raised concerns about:

• Possible oil spills and impacts to waterways like the Missouri River
• Effects on agricultural land and wildlife
• Broader environmental and climate considerations

???? What Happens Next

The project is still in the early stages of review and must go through:

• A full Environmental Impact Statement
• Approval under Montana’s Major Facility Siting Act
• Federal permitting for the international crossing

Public comments will be accepted through May 1, with additional review steps expected before any final decision is made.

If approved, construction could begin as early as 2027.