On February 10, 2022, the Montana Department of Commerce announced that eight Montana communities will share $100,000 of grant funding to revitalize Main Street businesses and downtowns.
The funding is provided by the Department of Commerce’s Montana Main Street Program.
Montana Main Street funding can be used for planning or brick-and-mortar projects that support downtown revitalization efforts and require a $1 match from the local community for every $5 received.
The program currently serves 35 member communities across Montana.
“Part of the foundation of our state and communities is the success of Montana’s main street businesses and downtowns,” Commerce Director Scott Osterman said.
“These Main Street grants are community investments that will empower communities to grow stronger and create more opportunities for Montanans while preserving the unique histories of the places they call home,” he added.
The new Montana Main Street Program grant funding recipients are:
- City-County of Anaconda-Deer Lodge will receive $15,000 to create a Preliminary Architectural Report/Preliminary Engineering Report for the Copper Village Art Center and Museum;
- City of Baker will receive $8,000 to create a Phasing Plan for the Old Baker State Bank;
- Town of Ekalaka will receive $20,000 to create a Community Plan;
- City of Glasgow will receive $10,000 to create an engineering and implementation plan for new lights;
- City of Glendive will receive $15,000 to create a Branding Plan;
- City of Red Lodge will receive $10,000 to create a public greenspace outside of the Roosevelt Center;
- City of Roundup will receive $15,000 to construct a welcome plaza in downtown; and
- City of Shelby will receive $7,000 to list the Main Street District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Additionally, Ronan recently joined the Montana Main Street Program as an affiliate member. With this membership, Ronan will have access to the resources and services of the Montana Main Street Program and will utilize the Main Street Four Point Approach to capitalize on Ronan’s unique identity, assets, and downtown character to promote economic development. Using this new membership, Ronan plans to complete projects that will improve their downtown’s physical environment, promote arts, culture, events, and strengthen the business community.
The Montana Main Street Program helps member communities strengthen and preserve their historic downtown commercial districts by focusing on economic development, urban revitalization, and historic preservation through long-range planning, organization, design, and promotion.
Photo of downtown Shelby, Montana via Wikimedia Commons.