HELENA — Hundreds of local governments and associations in Montana are seeking federal COVID relief money to pay for water and sewer infrastructure projects – and state leaders are facing decisions about which of those projects are going to get funding.

During the Montana legislative session, lawmakers identified these projects as a top priority. In House Bill 632, they directed more than $500 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to general infrastructure – primarily water and sewer improvements.

Much of that money will be distributed to local governments – from cities and counties to school districts, water or sewer districts and water users associations – through a competitive grant process. July 15 was the deadline to apply for the first round of grants.