U.S. SENATE — Today, President Donald Trump signed the Montana congressional delegation’s legislation on the Gibson Dam Hydro Project into law. The bill, introduced by U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Congressman Greg Gianforte, ensures the completion of the Gibson Dam Hydro Project near Augusta.
“This is a win for Montana,” said Daines. “This bill will create high paying Montanan jobs, boost our economy and power Montana homes with clean, affordable and reliable energy.
“Hydropower is an important part of Montana’s diverse energy resources and provides Montanans with reliable, affordable electricity,” Gianforte said. “I appreciate President Trump signing our bipartisan bill so the Gibson Dam Hydro Project can be completed, bringing good-paying Montana jobs, a healthier environment, and reliable revenue to our counties.”
“This new law will spur Montana’s energy economy,” said Tester. “Finishing the Gibson Dam will provide affordable power to Montana families and small businesses.”
The bill will provide for a six-year extension of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license for the dam.
Montana is the fifth-largest producer of hydropower in the nation and has 23 hydroelectric dams.
Gibson Dam:
- Create 15 to 25 jobs and up to $5 million in wages during construction
- Provide 50 to 100 years of stable tax revenues for Teton and Lewis and Clark Counties, averaging $275,000 to be shared annually per county
- Reduce more than 40,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year
- Strengthen the irrigation component of the Gibson Dam
- $1 million in local purchases over two years
- Sun River Electric Cooperative will receive over $200,000 per year in a “wheeling fee”
The bill passed the U.S. Senate in June.
The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week.
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