Tester secures additional assistance for Montana’s flood-damaged highways

Investment, requested by Tester, will create Montana jobs and boost businesses

(HELENA, Mont.) – The State of Montana will receive additional assistance to create jobs to help repair roads and highways damaged by 2011’s record flooding, Senator Jon Tester announced today.

Tester asked the U.S. Department of Transportation for financial relief in July after record flooding in central and eastern Montana caused widespread damage to roads and bridges across the region.

In his July letter to Secretary Ray LaHood, Tester asked the U.S. Department of Transportation to reimburse state and tribal agencies for emergency flood-related spending.

In response, the Transportation Department today announced more than $22.4 million in emergency relief to the Montana Department of Transportation for the “repair or reconstruction” of flood-damaged roads and bridges. Tester added that the State of Montana can also use the resources to better protect communities from flood hazards.

“Putting Montanans to work rebuilding and improving Montana’s roads will not only help folks recover from last year’s unprecedented floods, but it will also create Montana jobs and rebuild the physical infrastructure our communities need,” Tester said. “It’s my role to see that Montana receives the assistance it deserves to keep our highways safe, in good shape, and open for business.”

Tester actively sought support for Montana communities in the wake of the extreme flooding. In June, Tester secured assistance to repair Montana’s public water-related infrastructure and aid for Indian Country. His staff also held 17 flood outreach meetings across the state in early July.

The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced $22,461,618 for Montana. In November, Tester secured over $2.5 million for relief purposes.

Tester’s July 1 letter to LaHood is available online HERE.

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