Tester Delivers Grant to Address Brownfield Sites in Southwest Montana

$600,000 to Clean Up Waste, Boost Economy

(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester today delivered a grant to help plan for the cleanup of hazardous materials in Southwest Montana.

The grant, worth $600,000, will fund research by the Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Area to plan the assessment and cleanup planning for “Brownfields” in Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Beaverhead, Butte-Silver Bow, Granite, Jefferson, Madison, and Powell counties. Brownfields are properties where hazardous substances can complicate the properties’ expansion or reuse.

Tester was the only member of the Montana Congressional delegation to vote for the funding agreement that provided for the grants.

“Cleaning up these sites and investing in infrastructure benefits everyone,” Tester said. “This grant will address the barriers to development that Brownfields cause, boost business opportunities, create jobs, and strengthen the economy across Southwestern Montana.”

“We’re extremely excited to have received the Brownfields Assessment grant award ” Headwaters RC&D Regional Director, Julie Jaksha said. “There are numerous areas in our region in need of environmental cleanup. This grant will allow us the opportunity to assist in the redevelopment of those properties and continue to stimulate economic development in Southwest Montana”.

Tester recently secured $500,000 to clean up brownfields in Great Falls, and $400,000 for clean up across Central Montana.