Montana communities awarded Main Street Program grants

From Montana Department of Commerce 

HELENA — Montana Department of Commerce announced that nine Montana communities will share $118,000 through the Montana Main Street Program to support historic preservation, wayfinding, and revitalization plans for their downtowns.

“Montana’s vibrant and charming towns are what attracts visitors, keeps residents and encourages downtown business growth,” Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice said. “These Montana Main Street Program grant dollars will fund important planning efforts that contribute to community vitality and vibrancy.”

The Montana Main Street Program assists communities in revitalizing and strengthening downtown commercial districts, while also offering technical assistance, expertise and competitive grant funding to its 27 member communities.

Havre has applied to become part of the program and is awaiting a decision.

The following communities have been awarded Montana Main Street Program grant dollars:

• Anaconda/Deer Lodge County | $20,000 to complete a historic preservation plan.

• Deer Lodge | $10,000 to complete wayfinding signage.

• Great Falls | $15,000 to complete a wayfinding plan.

• Helena | $15,000 to complete the Cruse Avenue revitalization plan.

• Kalispell | $15,000 to complete historic district design guidelines.

• Libby | $8,000 to complete a preliminary architectural report for the historic Libby Hotel.

• Livingston | $15,000 to complete a downtown master plan.

• Miles City | $10,000 to complete a façade improvement program.

• Stevensville | $10,000 to complete strategic planning for the Stevensville Main Street Association.

To learn more about the Main Street Montana Program, people can visit http://mtmainstreet.mt.gov .