Montana small business wins Recovery Act funding for wind turbine project

Baucus, Tester: Investment will create Montana jobs, boost American-made energy

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – A small business in Montana has won a significant contract through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for a wind turbine project in northeast North Dakota, Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester announced today.

The firm—Colstrip Electric Inc. (CEI) of Colstrip, Mont.—will use $2.7 million in Recovery Act funding to construct a one-megawatt wind turbine in Pembina, N.D.

The company plans to hire additional Montanans and North Dakotans for the project.

Brent Burton, CEI’s General Manager, says the project will provide power to the border crossing station in Pembina, making the border station there the first in the United States to be fully powered by renewable energy.

“CEI is thankful for this funding that will help create jobs in both Montana and North Dakota,” Burton said.  “Our company is very excited to be part of the Pembina Wind Project and is eager to make it a success.”

CEI plans to break ground on the wind turbine early next year.

“This funding is great news for another Montana small business and for Montana jobs,” Baucus said.  “In addition to putting more Montanans back to work, this is an investment toward reducing American dependence on foreign oil.  It’s another project that I am proud to support.”

“This project is a prime example of how the Recovery Act is working for Montanans,” Tester said.  “Across the country, we’re investing in our physical infrastructure, and in securing America’s energy future.  And most importantly, we’re creating Montana jobs and rebuilding our economy.”

The funding follows Baucus’ and Tester’s announcement last week that the town of Sheridan, Mont., will receive funding through the Recovery Act to make major improvements to its wastewater infrastructure, which town officials say will mean cleaner water and stronger economic opportunities.

The Recovery Act is rebuilding Montana’s economy by creating jobs and investing in critical infrastructure upgrades, training and public safety.

The law also cut taxes for Montanans by more than a half billion dollars.