Baucus, Tester announce additional $17 million for rural water projects

Jobs-stimulus bill funding will create jobs by investing in Montana’s water infrastructure

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Montana’s rural water systems, lakes and dams will receive nearly $17 million in additional funding from the jobs-stimulus bill, U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester announced today.

Both Baucus and Tester helped write, supported and voted for the jobs-stimulus bill, which was signed into law in February.  The funding announced today will create jobs and boost Montana’s economy by investing in the state’s water resources and water infrastructure, the senators said.

Baucus and Tester said Montana will receive the following funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:

• $5,644,000 for high priority water infrastructure projects across Montana.
• $4,250,000 for Ft. Peck Dam and Lake (for various equipment, vehicles, surveys, construction and roadways).
• $435,000 for the Yellowstone River Corridor study (to map the flood).
• $220,000 for Libby Dam (to purchase a new patrol boat and to secure a much-needed technical center).

U.S. Department of Agriculture:

• $1,230,000 to upgrade water facilities in the Happy Valley Water District near Opheim.
• $600,000 to upgrade water facilities in Crow Agency.
• $1,197,000 to upgrade water facilities in the Loma County Water District.
• $732,000 to upgrade water facilities in Dutton.
• $2,685,000 to upgrade water facilities in Twin Bridges.

TOTAL: $16,993,000

“This is more good news for rural water systems across the Treasure State,” said Baucus, chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee.  “In Montana, we put a premium on our water for drinking, irrigating, fishing, and recreation.  This funding helps us protect and manage our water while boosting Montana’s economy.”

“Water is one of Montana’s most valuable resources,” said Tester, who serves on the influential Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the nation’s water projects.  “This funding will rebuild our economy by putting folks back to work while investing in water and fishing habitat.  I voted for the Jobs Bill to fund common sense projects like this.”

Today’s funding brings Montana’s share of Jobs Bill funding to $982 million so far.  The measure also cuts an estimated $575 million in taxes on Montana residents.

Baucus and Tester previously announced that Montana is receiving $60 million for the Ft. Peck/Dry Prairie and Rocky Boy’s/North Central rural drinking water systems.