Tester announces new resources for rural transmission lines

Two electric co-ops to build, improve over 100 miles of distribution lines

(BIG SANDY, Mont.) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced new resources for McCone Electric Cooperative and Marias River Electric Cooperative to build and improve more than 100 miles of power lines in eastern and north central Montana.

McCone Electric Cooperative, based in Circle, will build 13 miles of new distribution line and improve 61 miles of existing distribution line.

Marias River Electric Cooperative, based in Shelby, will build 21 miles of new distribution line and improve 12 miles of existing distribution line.

“Montana’s rural electric co-ops are on the front lines of providing power to frontier communities across Montana and today’s announcement is one more step towards ensuring that folks in rural areas continue to have consistent access to electricity,” Tester said. “Building and improving the power lines will create good-paying jobs for Montanans while ensuring this essential infrastructure will serve our state for the long-term.”

The two co-ops are receiving loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service.

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