Tester Secures $2.5 Million for Rural Water Systems in Central Montana

Funding comes from the Senator’s bipartisan infrastructure law

As a direct result of his bipartisan infrastructure law, U.S. Senator Jon Tester has secured $2,500,000 for the Musselshell-Judith Rural Water System to construct additional groundwater wells and plan improved water infrastructure for the Hobson community.

Tester worked with five Republicans and four Democrats to negotiate his bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and was the only member of Montana’s Congressional delegation to vote for the bill. He specifically secured the provision that includes these investments for Montana’s rural water projects.

“There is no need more critical to the health of our communities than access to safe, reliable drinking water — but oftentimes folks in rural America are left behind when it comes to updating out-of-date water infrastructure,” said Tester. “These vital investments in our water infrastructure will improve wellness, boost economic development, and put more folks to work, and I’m proud to have secured this funding from my bipartisan infrastructure law.”

Tester has worked tirelessly to ensure that rural communities have access to modern, reliable water infrastructure. In total in the IIJA, Tester secured approximately $194 million for the Rocky Boys/North Central Water System, approximately $56 million for the Musselshell-Judith Water System, and approximately $17 million for the Fort Peck/Dry Prairie Water System. He also secured up to $100 million for rehabilitating the Milk River Project.

Tester secured significant wins for Montana in the IIJA, including $2.82 billion for Montana’s roads, highways and bridges; $2.5 billion to complete all authorized Indian water rights settlements; $1 billion to complete all authorized rural water projects through the Bureau of Reclamation; $65 billion to deploy broadband to areas across the country that lack internet access and additionally make online connectivity affordable; and $3.37 billion to reduce wildfire risk nationwide, among others. Tester also worked to ensure that all iron, steel, and construction materials used for these projects must be made in America.

A full list of Montana provisions in Tester’s bipartisan infrastructure law can be found HERE.