The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that three communities in coal-impacted areas will receive more than $240,000 in grant funding to support critical public safety upgrades and community development initiatives.
The funding, distributed through the Montana Coal Board, will aid local governments and school districts in enhancing infrastructure, improving emergency services, and investing in long-term planning efforts.
“Commerce is proud to support these projects, which will have a positive impact on the residents of Montana’s coal country,” said Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio. “In the last five years alone, more than $12 million in Coal Board grant funding has been awarded to eight counties, eight school districts, seven cities or towns, and one tribe.”
The newly awarded grants include:
- City of Colstrip – $30,000 to develop an updated economic diversification strategy, aiding in long-term economic planning and resilience.
- Roy Water and Sewer District (Fergus County) – $50,000 to purchase a service truck, enhancing utility services for the rural community.
- City of Hardin – $113,457.80 for new communications equipment for the Hardin Police Department, improving public safety response capabilities.
- Hardin Public Schools – $50,000 to resurface tennis courts, supporting student recreation and community access to sports facilities.
The Montana Coal Board, created by the Legislature in 1975 and administratively attached to the Department of Commerce, awards Coal Board Impact Grants to governmental entities in regions affected by coal development or coal consumption by energy facilities. Eligible entities include counties, cities, school districts, tribal governments, and other local units.
The grants help communities meet the challenges of fluctuating coal industry impacts by funding vital infrastructure and service needs.
Last year, Musselshell County received $182,000 from the Coal Board to support renovation costs for the historic Wier Building, a key downtown revitalization project.
“Musselshell County is incredibly thankful for the Montana Coal Board’s grant support for our Wier Building revitalization project,” said County Commissioner Robert Pancratz. “This partnership enables an important step forward in the revitalization of our community and recovery of our economy. Additionally, this project will create an anchor development for our main street and will help address our workforce housing and retail service space needs.”
By: BSH staff