Montana is expected to receive billions of dollars to repair its highways, expand internet connectivity and improve drinking water lines as part of an infrastructure bill President Joe Biden signed Monday.
The bipartisan infrastructure bill allocates $1.2 trillion nationwide, with an emphasis on mitigating climate change by funding projects like a national network of electric vehicle charging stations and other low-carbon transportation alternatives.
The Biden administration estimates over the next five years Montana may receive:
- $355 million for drinking water infrastructure
- $225 million for bridge replacement and repairs
- At least $100 million to improve broadband access
- $23 million to protect against wildfires
- $12 million to protect against cyberattacks
Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, one of the bill’s primary negotiators, says the infrastructure bill provides roughly:
- $2.82 billion for Montana’s roads, highways and bridges
- $144 million for Montana airports
- $164 million to improve public transport infrastructure
Tester’s office also flags the approximate funding amounts heading to water infrastructure projects across Montana:
- $198 million for Rocky Boy's/North Central
- $100 million for the Milk River Project
- $56 million for Musselshell-Judith
- $40 million in water, sewage, and sanitation projects for the Blackfeet Tribe
- $17 million for Fort Peck/Dry Prairie
U.S. Senator Steve Daines and U.S. Representative Matt Rosendale, both Republicans, voted against the bill; Tester voted in favor.
