U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (R-MT) told constituents at Bozeman City Hall Wednesday that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would benefit Gallatin County.
The legislation recently passed in the Senate would address the county’s aging infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, and grow the economy, Tester said.
“Bozeman’s recent growth has demonstrated Gallatin County’s urgent need for infrastructure upgrades,” Tester said. “I’m proud to have worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to negotiate this bipartisan infrastructure legislation that will upgrade aging roads and bridges, help grow and maintain Bozeman Yellowstone International, increase access to high-speed internet, and ensure folks have reliable access to clean water. I’m going to keep working hard to get this legislation across the finish line so we can create good-paying jobs, grow Gallatin County’s economy, and help our nation maintain our economic advantage over China.”
Tester said the legislation would benefit Montana through investment into its infrastructure, including an estimated $2.82 billion for the state’s highways, $225 million to repair and replace bridges in poor condition, $164 million to bolster public transit, and $144 million for the state’s airports.
The legislation would also increase the funding set aside for rural bus funds and address highway safety and motor carrier safety.
Tester said the legislation also included $1 billion to complete rural water projects in the state, $15 million to study Amtrak long-distance passenger rail travel, $42.45 billion for broadband deployment nationwide, $3.85 billion for border security, and $3.37 billion for reducing wildfire risk across the country.
The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.