HELENA, Mont. — Three resident-owned community leaders, their advisor, and their county’s director of public works testified before the Montana Legislature last week on behalf of the county’s grant request to connect Buena Vista Community’s 36 homes connected to the public sewer system.
“We have a failing sewer system,” Buena Vista board President Terry Huetter said. “Most of the people in our community are older and on a fixed income.”

“Their project ranked 34th out of 105 applications,” Peterson said. “It is expected that the top 50 projects will be funded out of the existing RRGL funding pool and the remaining projects are under consideration for funding from a state infrastructure bond that the governor has proposed.”

“I’d like to see this upgrade come into play to help out lower- and fixed-income people,” said Schneider, who has lived in Buena Vista for more than 30 years and handles much of the community property landscaping in the ROC (resident-owned community).
Peterson said all four felt good about making the two-hour drive from Missoula. She said some had to take a day off from work to testify, and she was particularly pleased with the testimony of Greg Robertson, the director of Public Works for Missoula County, who pointed out that Buena Vista is his neighbor and has been a strong partner.

Sheryl Huetter, Terry’s wife, said the sewer connection project would have an impact for years to come.

To watch the group’s testimony, visit the Legislature’s website and skip ahead to 2:21 in the playback.