Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.9 Million to Provide Critical Rail Infrastructure to Serve Industrial Park in Butte, Montana

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.9 million grant to Butte-Silver Bow Consolidate Local Government, Butte, Montana, to construct a new rail line within the City-County of Butte-Silver Bow Industrial Park to support business growth in the region. The EDA grant, to be matched with more than $8 million in local funds, is expected to generate $63 million in private investment.

“President Trump is working diligently every day to improve our country’s infrastructure so we can facilitate job creation and success,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This new rail line will provide Butte with the infrastructure it needs to support existing and future business growth at the City-County of Butte-Silver Industrial Park and throughout Southwest Montana.”

“The increased rail capacity to be implemented with this EDA investment will enable existing and new tenants at the City-County of Butte-Silver Industrial Park to receive raw materials and reach global markets,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “EDA is pleased to support Butte-Silver Bow Consolidate Local Government’s strategy to build a new rail to accommodate new business development and economic growth throughout the region.”

“Investing in Montana’s infrastructure is critical as we look to bring back our economy in the face of this deadly pandemic,” said Senator Jon Tester. “These funds will utilize local dollars to help enhance business, create jobs, and get folks back on their feet in Southwest Montana.”

“This new rail line in Butte will help improve Montana’s transportation infrastructure needs and support jobs in the local community,” said Senator Steve Daines. “I’m grateful to have worked with the Administration to secure this much needed boost for the Port of Montana in Butte Silver-Bow County.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Headwaters Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc., which EDA funds to help bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.