Tester seeks cancellation of boat launch contracts

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) _ U.S. Sen. Jon Tester is asking the National Park Service to cancel paving projects at boat launches along a southeastern Montana river popular for its fishing.

The paving is due to start next week. It would result in the temporary closure of two heavily-used boat ramps on the Bighorn River.

Tester on Wednesday sent a letter to the superintendent of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area asking for the paving contract to be canceled and the work rescheduled.

Outfitters and anglers who use the river say closing the two boat ramps would hinder access to the river during its peak season.