- 01.13.2014
Tester to Obama: Support rural water projects
Senator pushes for clean water investment to create jobs, improve quality of life
(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester is calling on President Obama to create jobs and help provide clean water in rural America by strongly investing in rural water projects.
Tester says that rural water projects spur economic development in Indian Country and local communities, while also increasing public health by making sure that families have access to clean water. He wants President Obama to prioritize funding for the projects as his Administration works on its proposed 2015 budget.
“Water projects will help create jobs and support strong local economies with local jobs, which will benefit not only Indian Country, but the surrounding communities as well,” Tester told Sylvia Burwell, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. “These projects will also create a more stable economy with negotiated water rights and increased access to clean water.”
Tester said project delays due to sequestration and the government shutdown – along with the uncertainty caused by past Administration budget proposals – is preventing the water projects’ completion.
“It remains incumbent upon Congress and the Administration to live up to our obligations and help complete these water projects throughout the West in a timely manner,” Tester said.
Tester, Montana’s only member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Indian Affairs Committee, is a long-time supporter of rural water projects. In 2012, he secured nearly $13 million for Fort Peck/Dry Prairie and Rocky Boy’s/North Central Water Systems.
Tester’s letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Sylvia Burwell is also signed by fellow Montana Senator Max Baucus.