Montana Department of Commerce Awards New Grants to Enhance Rural Tourism
HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that $8.75 million of grant funding will be distributed to seven pilot communities to increase economic vibrancy and tourism appeal, enhance destination resiliency and diversify tourism-related assets and infrastructure. The grant funding is provided through Commerce’s new Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program.
“Visitation provides a significant impact to towns and communities across our state,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Through the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program, these communities will understand more ways to diversify their economic portfolios, improve the quality of life for local residents and provide unique experiences for visitors to discover.”
To be considered for PCTGP funding, eligible applicants demonstrated community readiness, commitment, vision, goals and partnerships to aid in the long-term success of their plans. Awarded communities will receive up to $2.75 million each in funding over 60 months of long-term commitment and engagement.
The following communities will receive PCTGP grant funding:
In 2023, the Montana Legislature authorized the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program enacted through Senate Bill 540. To learn more about this program and other upcoming funding opportunities, visit brand.mt.gov.
“Visitation provides a significant impact to towns and communities across our state,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Through the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program, these communities will understand more ways to diversify their economic portfolios, improve the quality of life for local residents and provide unique experiences for visitors to discover.”
To be considered for PCTGP funding, eligible applicants demonstrated community readiness, commitment, vision, goals and partnerships to aid in the long-term success of their plans. Awarded communities will receive up to $2.75 million each in funding over 60 months of long-term commitment and engagement.
The following communities will receive PCTGP grant funding:
- Big Timber’s Crazy Mountain Collective - A Roadmap for Tourism Success will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.
- The Blackfeet Tribe Pilot Community Tourism will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.
- Building a Better Broadus will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.
- Elevate Anaconda’s Winter and Cool Season Tourism Development will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.
- Garfield County Community Tourism will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.
- The Havre Tourism Enhancement Project will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.
- Ronan’s Building a Thriving Rural Region Through Placemaking, Downtown Revitalization and Strategic Tourism Infrastructure will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.
In 2023, the Montana Legislature authorized the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program enacted through Senate Bill 540. To learn more about this program and other upcoming funding opportunities, visit brand.mt.gov.
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