BNSF foundation presents checks to Liberty County, health foundation

Press release

Officials from BNSF Railway visited Chester Dec. 9 to award Liberty County and the Hi-Line Health Foundation grants from the BNSF Railroad Foundation.

BNSF Executive Director of Public Affairs Matt Jones, BNSF Ground Foreman of Montana West Havre Division Jack Murray and BNSF Havre Terminal Manager Luke Davi were on hand to present the contributions.

A grant for $50,000, presented to Liberty County commissioners Maureen "Morb" Wicks, Larry Hendrickson and Joette Woods along with Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester, will be utilized to support the Liberty County Sheriff's Office, Liberty County EMS, Joplin Fire District and West Chester Fire District.

Hi-Line Health Foundation Chair Judy Tempel accepted a $25,000 grant that will be used to assist in the foundation's efforts at Liberty Medical Center.

Following the Amtrak derailment near Joplin Sept. 25, BNSF has been in close contact with Liberty County commissioners and community members to coordinate assistance efforts and to thank all those involved in the response for timely and heartfelt outreach. BNSF has been complimentary to the various north-central agencies that responded to the emergency.

"Our community is grateful to the BNSF Railroad Foundation for contributing to our county response resources," Commissioner Wicks said. "We have all appreciated the close working relationship we have developed over the past few months and are looking forward to using these funds to have a positive impact in the Golden Triangle Area."