Havre gets $1.25 million in first round of tourism grant

Havre one of seven cities to receive $1.25 million for tourism improvements

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced last week that $8.75 million of grant funding will be distributed to seven pilot communities, $1.25 million each, including Havre, to increase economic vibrancy and tourism appeal, enhance destination resiliency and diversify tourism-related assets and infrastructure.

“This significant investment in the tourism infrastructure for Havre and our area has the potential to be a game-changer in terms of how we build and market our authentic brand of genuine western hospitality,” said Paul Tuss, executive director of Bear Paw Development Corp., representing the Havre Tourism Enhancement Project. “Increasing out-of-area visitor stays and spending from folks who want to experience the natural beauty of the Hi-Line, along with our rich historic and cultural offerings, will have a positive and hopefully sustainable impact on our economy.”

Tuss and others discussed the grant during a Downtown Havre Matters! Meeting Monday in the Beaver Creek Perk meeting room.

The grant funding is provided through Commerce’s new Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program.

“Visitation provides a significant impact to towns and communities across our state,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Through the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program, these communities will understand more ways to diversify their economic portfolios, improve the quality of life for local residents and provide unique experiences for visitors to discover.”

To be considered for PCTGP funding, eligible applicants demonstrated community readiness, commitment, vision, goals and partnerships to aid in the long-term success of their plans. Awarded communities will receive up to $2.75 million each in funding over 60 months of long-term commitment and engagement.

The following communities will receive PCTGP grant funding:

• Big Timber’s Crazy Mountain Collective - A Roadmap for Tourism Success will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.

• The Blackfeet Tribe Pilot Community Tourism will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.

• Building a Better Broadus will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.

• Elevate Anaconda’s Winter and Cool Season Tourism Development will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.

• Garfield County Community Tourism will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.

• The Havre Tourism Enhancement Project will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.

• Ronan’s Building a Thriving Rural Region Through Placemaking, Downtown Revitalization and Strategic Tourism Infrastructure will receive $1.25 million of PCTGP grant funding within a two-year period.

In 2023, the Montana Legislature authorized the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program enacted through Senate Bill 540. To learn more about this program and other upcoming funding opportunities, people can visit https://brand.mt.gov .

Watch for more in this week’s edition of Havre Weekly Chronicle.