Montana will receive an additional $1 million from the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program. The funding will help repair public water-related infrastructure in Montana that poses a threat to life and property, such as damaged irrigation canals, levees, culverts, and bridges.
Sen. Tester said, “Damaged water infrastructure will have a domino effect on Montana agriculture–and our entire economy–unless we get the right resources in place right now. This responsible investment in reliable water systems is one of those resources that creates jobs, and it will go a long way for Montana farmers, ranchers and rural communities hit hard by flooding.”
Tester serves on the Senate Committee that oversees funding for FEMA and for the Natural Resource Conservation Service.
“The Emergency Watershed Protection Program is the best, fastest support standing in between Montana’s rural communities and further devastation,” said Sen. Max Baucus. This is one more way we can look under every rock to help our ranchers and farmers get back on their feet.” Baucus requested the additional funding in a letter to USDA yesterday.
After Tester toured the damaged Huntley Canal with Farm Service Agency Administrator Bruce Nelson last week, he announced Montana would receive $600,000 from the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. The $1 million is in addition to those initial funds.
