Tester Supports Significant Investments in Montana’s Transportation, Housing, and Energy Infrastructure

Senator Helps Guide Transportation Appropriations Bill to the Senate Floor

(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today helped pass legislation out of the Senate Appropriations Committee that will make significant investments in Montana’s transportation, housing, and energy infrastructure.

The 2017 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill contains many Tester authored provisions.

“This bill makes meaningful investments in Montana’s airports and transportation infrastructure, increases pipeline safety, and strengthens our communities,” Tester, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, said. “These initiatives have bipartisan support and I urge leadership to swiftly bring this bill to the Senate floor for a vote.”

The 2017 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill contains the following provisions Tester has championed:

• Secures additional funding from the Airport Improvement Program to make upgrades at West Yellowstone’s growing airport.
• Doubles the amount of funding for the Small Community Air Service Development Program, which provides grants to small, rural airports in Montana to address deficiencies and remain fully operational.
• Includes language urging Amtrak to establish additional stops in Montana on the Empire Builder route. 
• Encourages the Department of Housing and Urban Development to reduce regulatory burdens on small public housing agencies. 
• Invests an additional $3.3 million in the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s pipeline safety program.

The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously passed the 2017 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill and it will now be debated on the Senate floor.