“Publicly funded infrastructure projects continue to advance across Montana, supported by federal and state programs,” she says.

“In Billings, growth on the West End and regional demand for resilient infrastructure are driving activity. While private development is still tempered by financing costs, public-sector work keeps the market active and competitive,” she adds.

Meanwhile, Billings’ role as a regional hub for health care, education and commerce is sustaining the demand for infrastructure and services, says Cook. 

“Public funding is a strength, with transportation and airport projects progressing at a strong pace, [while] water and wastewater work has slowed somewhat following major ARPA investments in recent years,” she says. 

“On the private side, high construction costs and interest rates continue to constrain housing and commercial development, [and] the competition for skilled labor and professionals remains a challenge,” Cook says.