Department Of Commerce

Commerce Awards Grant Funding for Tourism-Related Emergency Service Projects

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  • November 22 2024
HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that 26 local safety agencies will share more than $1.4 million of grant funding to support tourism-related emergency service projects in rural areas. The funding is through Commerce’s Montana Emergency Tourism Assistance Grant Program.

“Emergency services are critical in rural areas of the state that may have experienced an increase in visitation recently,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “At Commerce, we’re proud to support first responders and others who help save lives and improve public safety in our rural communities.”

The METAP program is designed to support services provided by public or private safety agencies including law enforcement, firefighting and ambulance or medical services.

The following will receive METAP grant funding:
  • 15-90 Search and Rescue will receive $42,140 for the purchase of a Polaris utility terrain vehicle with tracks to assist with search and rescue efforts.
  • Beaverhead Rural Fire District #2 will receive $69,344.31 for the purchase of a Type 5 wildland fire engine.
  • The Big Horn County Search and Rescue will receive $65,948.72 for the purchase of a drone, two Polaris Rangers and a Medlite transport bed to aid in search and rescue efforts.
  • The City of Big Timber Volunteer Fire Department will receive $47,440 for the purchase of a generator and construction of a concrete mounting pad.
  • Cooke City Silver Gate Emergency Services will receive $75,000 for the purchase of an emergency services wildland fire truck.
  • The Dillon Police Department will receive $75,000 for the purchase of a patrol vehicle.
  • Elkhorn Search and Rescue will receive $75,000 for the purchase of an enclosed trailer, a Polaris Expedition ADV side-by-side and communication radios.
  • Jefferson City Volunteer Fire Department will receive $9,232.05 for the purchase of clothing and rescue outfitting for firefighters.
  • The City of Libby Police Department will receive $75,000 for the purchase of a police vehicle.
  • The Libby Volunteer Fire Department will receive $75,000 for the purchase of a self-contained breathing apparatus compressor system and fill station.
  • The Northeast STAT Ambulance Cooperative will receive $46,693.08 for the purchase of an advanced monitor/defibrillator to upgrade emergency services equipment.
  • The Paradise Valley Fire and Emergency Services will receive $57,395 for the purchase of rescue and extrication tools.
  • The Park County Sheriff’s Office will receive $75,000 for the purchase of a patrol truck and emergency equipment for the vehicle.
  • The Philipsburg Volunteer Fire Department will receive $75,000 for the purchase of a fire engine and supporting equipment.
  • The City of Polson Fire Department will receive $66,000s for the purchase of advanced life support equipment, including cardiac monitors and Lucas auto-pulse devices.
  • The City of Polson Police Department will receive $50,701 for the purchase of two trailers, a variable message sign and supporting equipment.
  • Red Lodge Fire & Rescue Department will receive $64,478.76 for the purchase of mobile command and communication equipment.
  • Richland County Search and Rescue will receive $27,196.40 for the purchase of search and rescue trailer and equipment.
  • The Roundup Volunteer Fire Department will receive $57,798 for the purchase of extrication equipment for fire response vehicles.
  • Sanders County will receive $62,858.25 for the purchase of a police vehicle.
  • Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue will receive $21,075 for the purchase of a search and rescue snowmobile.
  • The Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department will receive $4,000 for the purchase of emergency incident signs, hi-visibility vests and personal lights.
  • The City of Thompson Falls will receive $65,814.25 for the purchase of a police vehicle.
  • The City of Thompson Falls will receive $75,000 for the purchase of two police vehicles.
  • The Thompson Falls Rural Fire Department will receive $61,685 for the purchase of extrication tools and accessories to assist with emergency responses.
  • The Town of West Yellowstone will receive $66,756 for the purchase of a police vehicle.
Eligible applicants for METAP funding include rural incorporated cities or towns, counties, consolidated governments, tribal governments and any entity that provides emergency services or response units to a rural area. METAP is a state-funded opportunity authorized by the 2023 Legislature’s enactment of Senate Bill 540.

For more information about METAP grants, visit commerce.mt.gov.

Tags: Infrastructure + Planning and Press Release