$41M investment in Montana’s Headwaters tech hub | Politics

This article was edited on June 3, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.

MONTANA — A $41 million investment has been secured for the Headwaters Tech Hub.

This Phase 2 grant will fuel the Headwaters Tech Hub’s efforts to expand the state’s strength in sensing technologies to address autonomous systems, national defense, precision agriculture and critical resource management, according to a press release from Montana Sen. Jon Tester’s office Tuesday morning, July 2.

The funding comes from the Endless Frontier Act, a bill introduced by Montana Sen. Steve Daines.

For further context, Congress passed the bipartisan bill CHIPS and Science Act in 2022, which invested in high-tech manufacturing across the country.

The establishment of a regional technology hub in Montana was made possible because Montana was granted a provision in the CHIPS and Science Act that The senator promised that the bill would include rural states. Additionally, Tester called on the Biden administration in February to allocate that Phase 2 funding to the Headwaters Tech Hub.

“Montana is a big state that can do big things, and we have proven that we have what it takes to lead the nation in technological innovation that will allow America to continue to outpace countries like China,” Tester said. “That’s exactly why I fought for this major $41 million investment for the Headwaters Tech Hub, and why I’ve been a leading voice in the Senate championing rural America’s untapped potential. Bringing good-paying jobs back to the United States, securing our domestic supply chains, and developing next-generation technologies starts with investments right here in the Treasure State, and I’ll continue to work with the Headwaters team to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.”

This funding would not have been possible without the Endless Frontier Act, according to Daines’ office. Daines is the only member of the Montana delegation to introduce the bill.

“Montana is leading the way in technological innovation in the country, which will help us win the race against China, create good-paying jobs here at home and further boost our economy,” Daines said. “From optics and photonics to quantum computing, I am grateful to help enhance Montana’s ability to contribute even more to important research, development and jobs that will help strengthen our national security and help the country remain globally competitive.”