Gov. Gianforte Announces Relief for Irrigators Impacted by Flooding Disaster

• September 19 2022

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte announced today the state has awarded $645,846 in relief to irrigation districts and water user associations impacted by the flooding disaster.

“Our farmers and ranchers work hard to feed the world, and many lost critical infrastructure in the flooding disaster this summer,” Gov. Gianforte said. “By supporting the repair of damaged irrigation infrastructure, we’re helping these producers get back on their feet and investing in Montana and our natural resources.”

The state awarded grants to the Sweet Grass Conservation District for the Ellison Ditch, Lockwood Irrigation District, and the Park Branch Water Users Association. Grant funds will help those communities repair or replace irrigation systems damaged or destroyed by the flooding disaster.

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation received a total of nine applications requesting $1.75 million in ARPA funds and was able to certify three of those applications as eligible. 

DNRC is currently reviewing the remaining six applications for eligibility. After certifying projects, the Infrastructure Advisory Commission reviews those projects and makes a recommendation to the governor for approval.

Additional information on irrigation grants in response to flooding is available at https://arpa-mtdnrc.hub.arcgis.com/pages/irrigation-grant-program.

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