Governor Gianforte Visits New Water Tower Supporting Housing and Community Growth

Governor's Office

KALISPELL, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte recently visited Kalispell to tour the city's new water tower, a major infrastructure investment that is supporting housing development and helping meet the needs of the growing community.

"Across Montana, we've been working to make it easier to build and access housing, and that starts with infrastructure," Gov. Gianforte said. "You can't build homes without reliable water. Projects like this help unlock new housing opportunities, support growing communities, and ensure families have a place to call home."

Gov. Gianforte touring Kalispell's new water tower

Standing 170 feet tall and holding 1 million gallons of water, the new tower serves Kalispell's expanding north side, helping ensure reliable service as new homes and neighborhoods continue to be built.

Construction on the project began in 2023 as part of the city's long-term planning efforts to expand water infrastructure and accommodate growth. The project expands storage capacity and improves system reliability in one of Kalispell's fastest-growing areas to meet increased demand from both residents and businesses. The tower is intended to provide additional capacity for 20 years and support 2,800 dwelling units.

Funding for the project was supported through a combination of local and state investments, including funding administered through the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to help communities upgrade critical water infrastructure.

Kalispell Public Works Director Susie Turner highlighted the role the project plays in supporting development and quality of life.

"This water tower is a key piece of infrastructure that allows us to support continued residential growth in north Kalispell," Turner said. "It increases capacity, improves reliability, and ensures we can provide the level of service our residents expect as more homes are built in the area."

In addition to investing in infrastructure, Gov. Gianforte has prioritized expanding housing opportunities across Montana. In 2022, the governor launched a bipartisan Housing Task Force to identify solutions to increase supply and reduce costs.

Building on its recommendations, the governor signed a package of pro-housing reforms into law in 2023 to reduce barriers to building, expand housing options, and streamline zoning and permitting processes. As a result, Montana is emerging as a national leader in advancing pro-housing policies that support growing communities.

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