Ten Montana Communities Receive $7.2 Million of Grant Funding for Vital Community Development Projects
HELENA - The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that 10 Montana communities will share $7.2 million of federal grant funding through the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG). These grants will support critical infrastructure and community development projects in Montana.
“Over the years, Commerce’s CDBG program has assisted hundreds of Montana communities by funding projects that help local governments plan for future growth and development, create specific plans for individual projects, and take action to address community needs,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Scott Osterman. “This grant funding will not only help these counties, cities, and towns develop these crucial infrastructure and community development projects but assist with creating and retaining good paying jobs for local Montana workers.”
This year’s round of applications was considered highly competitive with a total amount of grant funding requested at $11.7 million.
CDBG Grants are awarded to:
- The Town of Cascade will receive $750,000 for the replacement of sewer mains.
- Custer County will receive $750,000 for the construction of the Miles City Senior Center.
- The Town of Dodson will receive $750,000 for replacing water mains.
- The Town of Geraldine will receive $750,000 for replacement of water mains.
- The City of Helena will receive $750,000 for construction of the new Helena Food Share facility.
- Meagher County will receive $600,000 for replacement of water mains in the Martinsdale District.
- The Town of Richey will receive $600,000 for replacing water mains.
- The City of Superior will receive $750,000 for wastewater facility upgrades.
- The City of Troy will receive $750,000 for the replacement of water mains. This funding is contingent on the program receiving additional budget authority.
- The Town of Twin Bridges will receive $750,000 for rehabilitation of water wells, re-coating the storage tanks, and replacing water mains.
In 2019, the migration of the Clark Fork River was threatening the wastewater treatment facility in Plains, Montana. The Town of Plains received $450,000 of CDBG Infrastructure Grant funding to relocate the existing wastewater treatment plant before it was washed away by the river.
“The grants were of great importance to the community. Without them, the project would not have been affordable. If the wastewater treatment plant had been breached by the river, the Town would have had no alternative means to treat the 100,000 gallons of sewage generated daily,” said Town of Plains Engineer Shari Johnson. “The Town would have been forced to choose between direct raw sewage discharge to the river or shutting down sewer service to the entire town including residents, business, schools, and the only hospital in Sanders County.”
CDBG grants are available to eligible counties, cities, towns, and local governments. Local governments may apply on behalf of special purpose districts, unincorporated areas, or on behalf of non-profit organizations. Counties may also apply for planning grants on behalf of tribal utility authorities.
CDBG funding originates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
For more information about CDBG grants visit COMDEV.MT.GOV.
Tags: Community MT Division