Controversy Surrounds Contract Approval for Lighthouse Ranch and Senate Candidate

Zach Brown approved a non-competitive contract allocation of $1.5 million in taxpayer funds and land title to establish YBGR-Gallatin County, now rebranded as Lighthouse Ranch. Kurt Alme, a candidate for U.S. Senate, was previously the President and General Counsel of the YBGR-Foundation. Reports indicate that both individuals have problematic histories related to the facility.

The controversy centers on the allocation of public funds to a facility with a documented history of child sexual abuse. Zach Brown was aware of the abuse that occurred while the contract was being negotiated and implemented. Kurt Alme, who was involved with the facility, stated in a Senate debate that better oversight was needed to prevent the abuse.