Tester Secures More Than $15 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding for Affordable Housing Across Montana

Senator was the only member of Montana delegation to vote for funding that will bolster housing construction and maintenance in Montana communities

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that Montana will receive more than $15 million in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding made available by the American Rescue Plan to support affordable housing construction, purchasing, or rehabilitation for low- and very-low income families.

Of the $15,020,775, $11,459,768 will be distributed to Montana communities by the state. Of the remainder, Billings will receive $1,211,321, Missoula will receive $1,323,209, and Great Falls will receive $1,026,477. Tester was the only member of the Montana delegation to vote in support of this funding.

“Affordable housing in Montana is at a boiling point, and more than a year into an unprecedented public health and economic crisis, it’s critical that we’re giving hardworking families the resources they need to keep a roof over their heads and get back on their feet,” said Tester. “This funding will help Montanans stay in their homes, and I’m proud to have secured these resources as part of the American Rescue Plan as we work our way out of this crisis.”

The grants are allocated by HUD through the HOME Investments Partnership Program, which works to expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low- and very low-income families by providing grants to states and local governments to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities.

Tester has been fighting alongside Montanans to combat the affordable housing crisis across the state. Earlier this year, he secured a commitment from HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge that she would work to break down silos preventing affordable housing for Montana workers and Tribes from being built and maintained. He held a Housing Summit to gather ideas and suggestions from stakeholders and constituents on how to address the growing housing crisis, and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he secured $3.3 million to support housing, public health, coronavirus response, and economic disruption needs.