Tester Secures $640,000 for Wastewater Systems Improvements in Ryegate

Funding provided by the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that the Town of Ryegate will receive a $205,000 loan and a $435,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to construct new retention lagoons in their wastewater system.

“Whether it’s for our schools, our main street businesses, or our families, clean water is critical to Montana’s communities, especially during these unprecedented times,” said Tester. “This investment will help Harlowtown improve conditions for small business owners, farmers, and families, protecting clean water and their pocketbooks.”

The Town of Ryegate will receive the funding as part of the USDA Rural Development Loan Program to construct total retention lagoons that will allow the town to eliminate groundwater discharges, eliminating health threats from bacterial pathogens, waterborne viruses and protozoa from untreated or inadequately treated wastewater. Funds will also be used to rehabilitate or replace the lift station and add security fencing and safety equipment.

Tester has worked diligently to supply Montana’s water and wastewater systems with the funding needed to stay up-to-date. He recently secured $7 million for Hardin to make improvements to their wastewater system, and $335,000 for Wolf Point and $533,000 for Scobey to update outdated water mains. He secured nearly $3 million for Whitehall, Sweet Grass County, Whitefish, Cascade County, Seeley Lake, Sanders County, and Toole County. Additionally, he secured an additional $2 million to make upgrades to Geraldine’s water system.