Governor Gianforte Highlights Whitehall Water Treatment Plant Investment

New facility expected to open late summer 2025

WHITEHALL, MT - Governor Greg Gianforte on July 16 highlighted the state’s $2 million investment in a nearly-completed water treatment plant in Whitehall, one of many water and sewer infrastructure projects across the state.

“Our hardworking public works departments across Montana keep our cities and towns healthy and safe,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It was great to visit with the team in Whitehall to celebrate their hard work and the investment at the new plant to ensure clean drinking water for their customers.”

According to a 2023 report, the Town of Whitehall sources its water from two wells with a 500,000-gallon storage tank to serve approximately 1,100 customers. In December 2014, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality notified the Town of Whitehall of high levels of uranium in drinking water. The new facility utilizes a treatment system to remove the contaminants.

Through partnership with Triple Tree Engineering and Hard Rock Road Building & Utilities, construction began on the new facility in June 2024 and the facility is expected to be in operation later this summer.

The nearly $8 million investment in the Whitehall Water Treatment Plant was made possible through a combination of state and federal grants and local funding. State grants accounted for nearly 10% of the funding, including support from the Montana Coal Endowment Program, administered by the Montana Department of Commerce, the State Revolving Loan Fund, and the Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program, administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

The state also contributed $2 million in competitive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds, matched by $2.4 million in local and other sources.

Meeting with members of the Whitehall Public Works division, Whitehall Mayor Mary Janacaro-Hensleigh, and other local partners, the governor toured the facility and heard about the treatment process.

“Montana is leading the nation in investing federal funds toward critical water and sewer upgrades,” Governor Gianforte said. “Thanks to the collaboration between the state and local leaders across Montana, we are ensuring Montanans have access to clean, drinkable water.”

As recommended by the Infrastructure Advisory Commission, $121 million was awarded in 2021 to support 73 top-ranked infrastructure projects across Montana. Each project grant was capped at $2 million.

More information about the grants may be viewed here.