Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.7 Million to Provide Critical Infrastructure for New Industrial Park in Fort Benton, Montana

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.7 million grant to Fort Benton, Montana, to provide transportation, water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure to support development of a new industrial park and foster economic resiliency. This EDA project, to be matched with $1.7 million in local funds, is expected to create 75 jobs and generate $12 million in private investment.

“President Biden is committed to helping communities grow their critical business sectors to ensure that they not only recover from the coronavirus pandemic but build back stronger,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Fort Benton will provide critical infrastructure for a new 105-acre industrial park that will support the growth of the local agricultural industry and diversify the regional economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Fort Benton in development of the new industrial park,” said Angela Belden Martinez, Director of EDA’s Denver Regional Office. “This project will provide capacity for new businesses to establish in Fort Benton, bringing quality jobs to the surrounding region.”

“With this infrastructure investment, Fort Benton can continue moving forward with its new industrial park,” said Governor Greg Gianforte. “Through infrastructure improvements like these, Fort Benton and Chouteau County will boost their thriving agricultural community and attract businesses to locate, bringing more good-paying Montana jobs to the area.”

“Montana’s economy took a hit over the last year, and as the Fort Benton community continues to get back on track, this project – and the good-paying jobs it will create – will help achieve that goal,” said Senator John Tester. “It will provide the critical infrastructure needed to build a new industrial park that will help grow the economy, get folks back to work, and get Montana’s economy back up and running again full steam ahead.”

“The Economic Development Administration’s grant will help provide vital infrastructure to the Fort Benton community and help ensure that businesses have the resources they need to recover from pandemic losses,” said Congressman Matthew Rosendale (MT-01). “With the development of a new industrial park, the second oldest settlement in Montana will see job creation and a much-needed boost in local economies after a difficult year of financial loss and uncertainty.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Bear Paw Economic Development District (EDD), which EDA funds. Bear Paw EDD brings 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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.