Yellowstone River Coming Back From Oil Spill
Gov. Steve Bullock is approving a plan to build new trails, fishing access sites and other recreational features along the Yellowstone River to make up for damages from a 2011 Exxon Mobil Corp. pipeline spill.
The 63,000 gallon oil spill near Laurel damaged thousands of acres along an 85-mile stretch of the famous waterway.
Exxon agreed to pay $12 million for environmental damages, including about $2.3 million for lost recreational opportunities. The spill required a months-long cleanup.
Bullock announced the recreation plan during a Wednesday event in Billings
Bullock says the projects due to receive money will improve public access to a river that plays a major role in Montana's $7 billion outdoor recreation economy.
The AP contributed to this story.