Stillwater County Award

STILLWATER COUNTY, Mont. — Stillwater County has been awarded $2,870,520 in grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support critical wastewater infrastructure improvements in the Absarokee community.

The funding will support the Absarokee Sewer District Rehabilitation Project, which will rehabilitate and upgrade portions of the Absarokee Sewer District’s sewer collection system and headworks building. The improvements will address infrastructure damaged and impacted by historic flooding events while strengthening the long-term reliability and resiliency of the community’s wastewater system.

Stillwater County was eligible to pursue the funding through the EDA Disaster Supplemental funding opportunity associated with 2025 disaster declarations. The program provides federal investment to communities working to recover from natural disasters while building stronger, more resilient local economies.

“This award represents a significant investment in the future of Absarokee,” said Commissioner Jeff Ruffatto. “Not only will this project help us rehabilitate infrastructure affected by historic flooding, but it will also strengthen the foundation needed to support future housing, businesses, and economic growth in the community. We appreciate the Economic Development Administration’s investment in Stillwater County and the Absarokee Community.”

By improving the capacity and resiliency of the Absarokee Sewer District’s system, the project will help remove infrastructure constraints that have limited development opportunities and position the community to better accommodate future growth and investment.

The project is also anticipated to support job creation and retention by providing the infrastructure necessary for continued business development, housing, and community investment.

Project: Absarokee Sewer District Rehabilitation Project
EDA Grant Award: $2,870,520
Location: Absarokee, Stillwater County, Montana
Primary Improvements: Rehabilitation and upgrades to the sewer collection system and headworks building
Project Benefits: Disaster recovery, improved infrastructure resiliency and reliability, support for community growth and economic development, and job creation and retention