Town receives loan for Water Treatment Plant

The Trump Administration announced Friday that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $19.3 million to improve rural Montana water and wastewater infrastructure. This includes the Town of Whitehall receiving a $900,000 loan to construct an Ion Exchange water treatment plant and distribution system loop, as well as recoat a water storage tank. USDA's investment leveraged $625,000 from the Treasure State Endowment Fund, a $450,000 Community Development Block Grant, $125,000 Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Renewable Resource Grant, and $270,000 Water Resources Development Act grant.

USDA recently funded six through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. USDA's investments in rural Montana leveraged an additional $24.48 million in state, local and other funds to build critical infrastructure.

"I'm pleased to announce USDA's recent investments in water and wastewater infrastructure. Rural Montanans across the state will have access to improvements that will improve not only their health but also their quality of life," said Montana State Director Charles Robison. "Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Montana in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural Montana thrives, all of Montana thrives."

In rural Flathead County, the Coram County Water and Sewer District will use a $103,000 grant and $607,000 loan to construct a 200,000-gallon water tank that will meet Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) requirements and future water demand through 2037. The District will also purchase a backup generator to be installed at the pumphouse. USDA's investment will leverage an additional $500,000 from the Treasure State Endowment Program and $170,000 from the District.

Robison met with District leaders and the project engineer at the Coram-West Glacier Volunteer Fire Department station and toured the Coram project on Friday. The new water storage tank constructed with USDA funds will provide needed fire-suppression capacity for the community.

Robison also announced other Trump Administration grants and loans to rural Montana communities for water and sewer infrastructure.

The City of Belgrade has received $11,000,000 in loan funds to improve the wastewater treatment system with construction of a new gravity sewer main and headwork facility for treatment, among other upgrades. The improvements are needed to keep up with the population growth in the city of Belgrade, which is estimated to grow at a rate of 3.5% per year between now and 2038. USDA previously awarded the Belgrade project a grant of $1,680,000 and loan of $10,900,000. USDA's grant leveraged $13,995,000 from the State of Montana Revolving Loan Fund and $5,503,000 from the City.

The City of Harlem will use a $2,276,024 grant and $770,000 loan to replace 4,100 feet of water main lines, construct a treatment building with an upgraded filtration system, rehabilitate the city of Harlem's concrete clear well and install approximately 25 new valves and 10 water hydrants.

The City of Poplar has received $568,000 in grants and a $300,000 loan to replace 4,150 feet of the existing clay tile pipe collection mains. The upgrade will improve system efficiency and water quality. USDA's investment will leverage $1,961,000 from the Indian Health Service and $216,000 from the City.

Wilsall Water District will use a $2,195,000 grant and $460,000 loan to construct a new water treatment plant and install a 2,100 foot main pipe complete system loops and replace an old waste main. USDA's investment will leverage $500,000 from the Treasure State Endowment Program, $125,000 from the Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program, and $40,000 from the District.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/mt.