Anthony Preite, Montana Director of USDA Rural Development delivered a check for $2,755,000 to the Town of Stevensville for improvements to the town’s wastewater treatment system last week.
“This is your federal tax dollars coming back,” said Preite. He said the total funds represent a combination of grant and loans at a grant/loan ratio of 3 to 1. The money will go toward planned improvements at the town’s wastewater treatment plant to meet environmental regulatory requirements.
In a letter from U.S. Senator John Walsh, read by staff member Maureen Porter, Walsh said, “Access to clean water is an essential right that our communities depend on—especially our rural communities who are too often ignored or suffer through project delays. It shouldn’t matter the size of your town, there are basic needs in every community.”
Deborah Frandsen, from Senator Jon Tester’s office, also read a letter from Tester congratulating the Town and RD on their successful partnership aimed at providing needed improvements to the town’s wastewater treatment system.
The entire wastewater treatment system improvement project is estimated to cost close to $4 million. The check from RD includes $1,955,000 in grant funds and an $800,000 loan. The Town has also received a Treasure State Endowment Fund grant for $750,000, a $100,000 grant from RRGL and the Town will contribute $222,000 from its Sewer Reserve Fund.
Kurt Vause says
Way to go Mayor Mim Mack – essential public services aren\\\’t often highlighted but this is a long term investment with dividends for residents, businesses, and the surrounding area. Hat\\\’s off to you