BAUCUS, TESTER ANNOUNCE $9 MILLION GRANT FOR EAST BELGRADE INTERCHANGE

Senators Support Infrastructure Investment, Construction Jobs, Improved Traffic

(Washington, DC) – Montana’s U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester announced today Gallatin County is one major step closer to constructing the new Belgrade Interchange near the entrance of Bozeman International Airport on Interstate 90.

Baucus and Tester announced today a nearly $9 million Department of Transportation grant to fund the project.

“There’s no doubt about it: this is a big deal for Gallatin County and businesses throughout this corridor. This is the kind of investment that will support good-paying jobs right away and improve infrastructure for generations to come,” said Baucus, who wrote to the Department of Transportation in support of Gallatin County’s grant application. (letter available online HERE.)

“Putting Montanans to work building roads that strengthen our economy, businesses and transportation network is smart, responsible policy,” Tester said.  “I’ve fought hard for more flights to Bozeman-Yellowstone Airport, and this investment will help deliver more folks to and from the airport safely.  That’s good news for small businesses throughout the Gallatin Valley and beyond.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to see the Belgrade interchange land this critical funding.  Unwavering support from Max and Jon have really helped make this project a reality.  This project will provide jobs our families need now while helping attract new businesses to this important area for commerce,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Bill Murdock.

Baucus has worked in the past to direct federal dollars to the project including $1.46 million in 2010 and $8 million through the 2005 Highway Bill.   He also contacted the U.S. Department of Transportation supporting this Gallatin County request, and other high priority Montana projects, for grants through the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program.  TIGER funds will be used to construct a new interchange on I-90 near Alaska Road and the entrance to the Bozeman International Airport in Belgrade.

Tester earlier this year wrote to the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the grant application for the Belgrade Interchange.

ABOUT TIGER GRANTS IN MONTANA:

• Created under the 2009 Recovery Act, the TIGER program provides competitive grants to projects that are unique either because they involve multiple transportation modes, span across multiple jurisdictions or are somehow otherwise difficult to fund.
• Previous rounds of TIGER grants have funded road projects in Whitefish, Polson, as well as a project in Shelby to improve rail freight movement.