Tester Secures Huge Investment in Livingston Water System

After Passing Bill to Preserve USDA Program, Senator Helps Improve Water Quality in Park County

(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced an investment of $6.7 million to upgrade critical infrastructure and help supply clean water to the residents of Livingston.

“All Montanans must have access to clean water—it’s a fundamental right,” Tester said. “This responsible funding will ensure all of Livingston’s residents have reliable access to clean water for generations to come—not to mention the boon it will be to the local economy and the jobs it will create across the region.”

The funding comes through the USDA’s Rural Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program-one of the many rural initiatives that would be eliminated under President Trump’s proposed budget. Fortunately, Tester’s Agriculture Appropriations Bill—which passed through committee this morning—rebukes the President’s budget and fully funds the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program.

Livingston will receive a $5 million loan and a $1.7 million grant to complete construction and upgrades to its Water Recovery Facility, which provides drinking water to residents throughout the city.

Tester recently reintroduced his bipartisan Authorized Rural Water Projects Completion Act, which invests $80 million a year over the next two decades in upgrading drinking and wastewater infrastructure in rural communities across the country. The bill would cost taxpayers nothing, using revenue from onshore oil and gas development to fund infrastructure projects instead.