Senators Baucus, Tester Announce Major Fort Peck Tech Jobs Grant to Support Bakken Oil Drilling Services

Montana’s U.S. Senators Max Baucus http://www.baucus.senate.gov/ and Jon Tester http://tester.senate.gov/ announced today a major jobs grant to expand and improve metal fabrication and oil field drilling services on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The Economic Development Administration will award the Fort Peck Tribes $1 million to support the Fort Peck Tech project which builds upon current capabilities in metal welding, fabrication, and finishing. The project is anticipated to support 18 jobs and spark more than $600,000 in private investment.

"This is a smart investment that will support Montana jobs in the short term and better position the Fort Peck Indian Reservation to maximize the opportunities we’re seeing from the Bakken oil and gas boom. My hat goes off to Harold Buck Elk, CEO of Fort Peck Tech, and the Fort Peck tribes who have put together a solid project, landing this very competitive grant for their community," said Baucus. "It’s critical that we all work together to address the impacts and embrace the opportunities related to the energy boom."

"This is a smart investment in Montana’s energy infrastructure that will help our economy grow and create jobs," Tester said. "It’s important to keep the Bakken booming and support responsible oil drilling, and this investment will do just that."

"We appreciate Max and Jon going to bat for this project. Together with partners like the EDA, the MT Manufacturing Extension Center and the Montana B2B Program, we believe this business will grow with the increasing demands on the oilfield industry in northeastern Montana," said Harold Buck Elk, CEO of Fort Peck Tech. "Our skilled workforce will receive a decent wage, and health and retirement benefits that allows us to live and raise our families here on the Fort Peck Reservation. This is a win-win for everyone."

The news comes on the heels of Baucus’ Bakken Infrastructure & Energy Jobs tour this week throughout Eastern Montana where he announced the following updates to his call to action in the Bakken:

* $1 million grant for Culbertson’s wastewater treatment facility to keep up with rapid development as a result of the oil and gas boom through USDA Rural Development.

* The establishment of a multi-agency "one-stop-shop" in Sidney dedicated to the infrastructure and development needs of Eastern Montana

* Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson has accepted Baucus’ invitation to visit Montana oilfields to discuss the local impacts of EPA regulations.

Additional Background:

Fort Peck Tech Services, Inc. is a tribally owned company, and the award was granted to the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application’s merit, the applicant’s eligibility, and the availability of funds. More information on EDA’s grant process and investment process can be found at http://www.eda.gov.

Contact: Kate Downen 406-224-5056/Kathy Weber 406-329-7980/Jennifer Donohue 202-224-2651