Gov. Gianforte Brings Water and Sewer Infrastructure Funds to Dillon

Gov. Gianforte presenting a $1.9 million check to Dillon Mayor John McGinley (right) and former mayor Michael Klakken (left).

Joined by ARPA Program Director Scott Mendenhall, Budget Director Ryan Osmundson, Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Amanda Kaster, and members of the Infrastructure Advisory Commission, the governor presented a check to Dillon Mayor John McGinley and former mayor Michael Klakken at the Dillon City Hall.

Authorized by the governor in September 2021, the state awarded the project $1.9 million in competitive and minimum allocation grants to replace a waterline transmission and distribution system.

The project includes the replacement of the existing west side transmission mains, a below-river crossing of pipelines through a bridge, and approximately 7,000 lineal feet of water distribution mains within the City of Dillon. The system had experienced problematic leaks, breaks, and overall water loss in recent years.

“Our water lines are over 100 years old, or pushing 100 years old now,” Mayor McGinley and former Mayor Klakken said. “Thank you to everyone who has or will be involved in this project.”

As with all projects awarded water and sewer infrastructure funds, funds are distributed to award recipients on a reimbursement basis. The City of Dillon is the first recipient of the reimbursable funds.

The City of Dillon broke ground on the project on July 28, 2021, and estimates a completion date of December 31, 2022.

The total cost of the project is $4,401,000, which includes funding from various sources, including:

• ARPA competitive grant of $1,179,589
• ARPA minimum allocation grant of $723,832
• TSEP Grant of $500,000
• RRGL Grant of $125,000
• A State Revolving Fund loan of $1,872,579