Tester Secures $1 Million for Water System Improvements in Whitehall

Funding comes from the Senator’s bipartisan infrastructure law

As a result of U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s bipartisan infrastructure law, Jefferson County will receive $1,000,000 for improvements to the Whitehall Treatment Plant.

This funding comes from Tester’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Tester negotiated the IIJA with a group of five Republicans, four Democrats, and President Biden, and was the only member of Montana’s congressional delegation to support the legislation.

“Clean water is vital to the growth of Montana’s rural communities and small businesses – this is something I’ve seen time and time again on my farm and in every corner of the state,” said Tester. “I know that having access to clean water has been a big concern for folks in Whitehall, and I’m proud to have supported this funding to ensure the community has the clean, drinkable water it needs and deserves.”

This funding will be used to install an ion exchange treatment system to remove uranium and arsenic from the water supply. The project will also replace existing wells with infrastructure that produces from an aquifer that meets drinking water standards. 

Tester has worked diligently to supply Montana water systems with funding to stay up-to-date. Last year, Tester secured nearly $5 million for clean water projects across the state. Last month, Tester announced nearly $43 million to the State Revolving Loan from his bipartisan infrastructure bill that will help fund the project.  Additionally, Tester secured $565,000 in grant funding to remove lead in sources of drinking water in Montana schools and child care facilities as a direct result of his bipartisan infrastructure law.