Tester meets with Helena Mayor

Senator discusses the importance of protecting Helena’s drinking water

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester today met with Helena Mayor Jim Smith to talk about the importance of protecting Helena’s drinking water for the city’s future.

Tester and the mayor, along with other Helena City officials, discussed on-going clean water initiatives to keep the city’s drinking water safe. The mayor thanked Tester for his help in securing funding for clean water projects over the past several years.

Tester, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pledged to continue pushing for grant funding aimed at delivering clean and safe drinking water to Montanans. Tester says providing reliable access to safe drinking water improves quality of life and creates jobs.

“When Montanans turn on the tap, they expect and deserve clean, safe water,” Tester said. “Investing in projects that keep Helena’s water clean is critically important for the health and well-being of the city.”

Tester and Mayor Smith also discussed the city’s progress on the Ten Mile Creek Watershed project designed to ensure the long-term health of the watershed. More than 70 percent of Helena’s drinking water comes from the national forest lands in the Ten Mile Creek Watershed.

Joining Mayor Smith and Tester in the meeting were Helena City Manager Ron Alles, Public Works Director Randall Camp, and Don Roecker.