Green Jobs and Natural Resources

Max Baucus: Doing what’s right to protect Montana’s outdoor heritage.

As chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, Montana’s senior U.S. Senator, Max Baucus was a key author of the Jobs Bill- working to ensure the economic recovery legislation was right for Montana. The Jobs Bill will bring more than $600 million dollars to Montana and create or sustain more than 11,000 jobs.

From rebuilding national park facilities reducing hazardous fuels in our forests, to helping folks keep their homes warm and local communities provide clean drinking water- this Jobs Bill will help keep Montana as the Last Best Place for future generations.

The Jobs Bill Provisions for Montana include an estimated:

•$25.7 million for the State Energy Program.
• $27.1 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program to help people make their homes more energy efficient.
•$19.5 million for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to help local communities obtain low interest loans to build and repair waste water treatment plants.
•$19.7 million through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to help local communities obtain low interest loans to build and repair their drinking water systems.

Nationally, the Jobs Bill also provides:

  • $750 million for the National Park Service for construction projects, trail maintenance and restoration
  • $600 million to clean up EPA Superfund sites such as Libby, Montana
  • $650 million for Forest Service capital improvements
  • $500 million for wildland fire management
  • $4.6 billion for Army Corps of Engineer water projects
  • At least $60 million for Bureau of Reclamation for rural water project construction such as Rocky Boy/North Central and Ft. Peck-Dry Prairie

 

Max will continue to fight for Montana, working to ensure Montana gets its fair share.

There are several resources available for organizations interested in receiving some of this vital funding. The websites recovery.gov and recovery.mt.gov are excellent places to start.  Baucus staff can also offer support including help contacting the appropriate agency or department and providing support during the funding process.