U.S. SENATE – At a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today U.S. Senator Steve Daines stressed the need to pass his bipartisan “St. Mary’s Reinvestment Act” to support the St. Mary’s Milk River Project along the Hi-Line Montana. Daines also highlighted his bipartisan bill, the “Sun River Hydropower Authorization Act,” which will create jobs, generate revenue and support hydropower production in central Montana.
Click HERE to listen to the Senator’s opening remarks.
“Inflation has driven up construction costs and the severe drought has made it all the more important we pass my bill this year. As you can see from the map behind me, the Milk River Project is located in the part of Montana experiencing severe drought. During dry years like the ones we’ve been experiencing, the project supplies up to 90% of the water needed for the Milk River Basin which is why it’s been coined the ‘lifeline of the Hi-Line.’ I’m grateful for this hearing today and would urge quick passage,” Daines said.
“My bipartisan bill authorizes hydropower production on the Bureau of Reclamation’s Sun River Project in Montana. It does this while also protecting existing authorizations like irrigation and flood control. This bill is a win-win for the community. Not only will it create new baseload, renewable energy in Montana but it will create new jobs, and a stable revenue source for the irrigation district, ensuring the continued operation of the district for years to come,” Daines continued.
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Contact: Rachel Dumke, Katie Schoettler