Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the scores and

ranking of the second round of applications for critical water and sewer investments by the state. Rankings also include the state's first round of investments in irrigation improvements.

"Safe, clean drinking water, effective wastewater systems, and reliable irrigation infrastructure are critical to our communities," Gov. Gianforte said. "With these strategic, long-term investments, we're modernizing Montana's infrastructure for our kids and grandkids."

The state received applications for 179 water and sewer projects in the second round of funding, with $262 million requested. The state also received 39 applications for irrigation infrastructure improvements, totaling $10.9 million.

A team of technical experts in drinking water, wastewater, engineering, and project management at the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) conducted the review and ranking.

"Thanks to the hardworking staff at DNRC, DEQ, Department of Commerce, and

Department of Administration, as well as the Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Montana is leading the nation in investing funds to improve our infrastructure. These projects will not only improve the lives of Montanans, but they'll also creating more good-paying jobs in construction

andengineering," the governor added.

The scores and ranking of the applications will be submitted to the ARPA Infrastructure Advisory Commission which will make the final recommendation

to the governor on which projects will be awarded funding.

The commission will next meet on April 20 to review rankings and submit recommendations to the governor who approves final projects for funding. Funds for approved projects, however, cannot be released until the State

of Montana receives funds from the U.S. Treasury.

"We need the Biden administration to move quickly to release ARPA funds so we can get to work," Gov. Gianforte said.

Agencies administering and assisting with the ARPA water and sewer grants include DNRC, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department

ofCommerce.

Applicants for competitive water and sewer grants can visit arpa.mt.gov to log in to see their final score. The full list of ranked projects can be

found here.

Public comments or letters of support regarding a specific project application can be emailed to [email protected] [4] prior to the Infrastructure Advisory Commission's next meeting on April 20.