Tester Secures $4.6 Million for Critical Infrastructure Updates to Boost Economy, Create Jobs in Yellowstone County

Funding will promote manufacturing in the Billings Bypass area

As part of his continued effort to support Montana's economy and create good-paying jobs, U.S. Senator Jon Tester secured $4,600,000 in funding to support business development in Yellowstone County. The funding will provide critical water and sewer infrastructure to the Lockwood Targeted Economic Development District, which is 1200 acre industrial space adjacent to the BNSF railroad and highway system. The extension of water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the area is a significant step forward in attracting new good-paying jobs to the region.

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester secured this funding as part of the 2024 government funding package.

"Montana has always had a strong manufacturing industry - and it's on us to ensure those folks have the infrastructure they need to continue growing our economy and boosting jobs," said Tester. "I'm proud to have secured this funding to create good-paying jobs and promote the manufacturing industry in Yellowstone County, and I'll continue working to bring Montana infrastructure into the 21^st century."

Tester has consistently championed creation of good-paying jobs in Montana. Just last month, Tester secured $2 million from his bipartisan infrastructure law to support small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) across the state and accelerate the implementation of smart manufacturing technologies in their operations. This summer, Tester secured a major $41 million investment for the Headwaters Tech Hub, cementing Montana's leading role in helping America stay ahead of countries like China.

Tester led the charge to bring a Regional Tech Hub to Montana after specifically securing a provision in his bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to ensure the program includes rural states. Tester's successful push to secure a Regional Tech Hub in Montana has opened the door for Montana to lead the nation in critical tech development, bring millions of dollars in federal and private-sector investment, and help America outcompete countries like China.

Congress passed the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act in 2022 to invest in high-tech manufacturing across the country, strengthen technology supply chains, and bolster development of cutting-edge research in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Tester was the only member of the Montana congressional delegation to serve on the conference committee that negotiated the bill.