BOZEMAN, Mont., May 15, 2024 –USDA Rural Development Montana State Director Kathleen Williams today announced USDA is funding water infrastructure projects in Whitehall and Thompson Falls, Montana, to improve access to clean drinking water.
“Everyone deserves access to clean drinking water, and USDA Rural Development is honored to help these communities upgrade their infrastructure,” Williams said. “Investing in modern infrastructure is an investment in the future of Montana’s rural communities.”
The Town of Whitehall in Jefferson County will use $2 million in loan and $1,036,000 in grant to construct a new ion exchange treatment plant at the water treatment facility. This development is expected to improve the quality of life for the more than 1,000 rural residents who live in the water treatment plant service area.
The City of Thompson Falls in Sanders County will use a $1.9 million loan and $1.8 million grant to improve water system supply capacity, storage capacity, and distribution. Funding will pay for labor, equipment, pipe, pumps, and the water tank for a project that will improve the quality of life for nearly 1,300 rural residents living in the service area.
These investments are funded through USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, which helps the agency support state and local governments, private nonprofits and federally recognized Tribes to build and improve rural wastewater systems.
The two projects announced here are included in a national announcement in which USDA is investing $671 million to support projects in 23 states that will lower electric bills for rural families and businesses and ensuring they have access to clean water, which is essential to the health of every community.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mt. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery subscriber page.