Montana's U.S. Senators tout smart investment for Hi-Line community

Baucus, Tester Applaud Program to Boost Jobs, Infrastructure in Chester

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Montana’s Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester are hailing a win for rural jobs today as a local cooperative clears an important hurdle toward building a new senior citizens center in Chester. Today, the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program awarded Triangle Telephone Cooperative Association, Inc. a more than $266,000 loan for the construction project.

“This is great news for Chester. Smart investments like this support good-paying construction jobs in the short term and provide our seniors with a valuable community gathering place for years to come,” said Baucus. “This program provides a great tool to help folks in Chester create jobs at a time when they could use a boost.”

“Folks in Chester are getting a good deal with this investment,” Tester said.  “These resources will create jobs, putting folks to work on a project that will improve the quality of life for Montana seniors.  For families in this community, that’s a win-win.”

Mayor Wayne Wardell of Chester says the project will be a real boost for the community. “Thanks to Max and Jon for their help and support for getting this funding.  This center is very important for Chester’s seniors, and for folks in the area to have a place to get together.  This grant will be a great help in moving the project forward and addressing a serious need for our community,” said Mayor Wardell.

Additional Information:
USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant recipients are rural utilities program borrowers that pass the borrowed funds to local organizations for projects to retain and create jobs, upgrade public infrastructure, improve service delivery and improve the quality of life for area residents and visitors. 

This program is designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. For more information visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.