HELENA, Mont. — The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that more than $400,000 in grant funding has been awarded to three communities in coal-impacted areas to support essential public safety and development initiatives. The grants, allocated by the Montana Coal Board, will aid in infrastructure improvements, public safety enhancements, and community development in regions directly affected by coal industry changes.
“In the last five years, over $15 million in Coal Board funding has been awarded to counties, cities, towns, school districts, and tribes across Montana,” said Mandy Rambo, Acting Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “These grants are vital in helping our coal-impacted communities with projects that support local infrastructure, public safety, and the continued growth of these areas.”
The following projects will receive Coal Board funding:
- Big Horn County: $155,620.87 for replacing the boiler and fire systems at the Big Horn County Library.
- City of Forsyth: $200,000 for the construction of a new water tank and installation of a booster pump to improve water infrastructure.
- Town of Winnett: $50,000 for the purchase of a new dump truck to support local public works.
The Coal Board grants are designed to assist local governments, including counties, municipalities, school districts, and tribes, in addressing the direct consequences of coal development and energy production in their areas. These grants help communities manage the financial impacts of the coal industry and support the continued provision of essential services.
“The Coal Board grants are critical for helping communities adapt to changes in the coal industry, ensuring that local services and infrastructure remain strong and reliable,” added Rambo.
In 2024, the City of Roundup also received $100,000 in Coal Board funding to purchase a new backhoe for public works. Roundup Mayor Sandra Jones expressed appreciation for the board’s continued support, saying, “On behalf of the City of Roundup, we want to thank the Montana Coal Board for all the help they provide for projects in coal communities. We are grateful for their funding, which allowed us to purchase a new backhoe.”
The Montana Coal Board, created by the state Legislature in 1975, is administratively attached to the Department of Commerce. It is tasked with awarding grants to coal-impacted areas to ensure that these communities can continue to thrive despite the economic fluctuations of the coal industry.
By: BSH staff