Loan May Lure Micron To Butte

A loan bill intended to help Butte attract a computer-chip plant that would provide 3,500 jobs has passed the Montana Senate with only one member voting no.

Florence Democrat Terry Klampe cast the negative vote as the Senate passed the bill authorizing a $16 million state loan to Butte-Silver Bow County on Monday.

The money from the state’s coal trust is for construction of a sewage facility and other public works that Butte will need if Micron Technology decides to locate there.