HELENA, Mont. -- The Montana Department of Commerce announced Monday that 17 Montana communities will share more than $249,000 in planning grants through the Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP) to facilitate the development of infrastructure projects across the state.

“With these TSEP grants, communities can initiate crucial infrastructure projects that will provide clean drinking water and durable bridges for Montana towns, helping them to grow and prosper for many years to come,” Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice said.The state-funded TSEP program supports local governments with the development of infrastructure plans. The project phase of the program assists local governments with drinking water system upgrades, wastewater treatment facilities, sanitary or storm sewer systems, solid waste disposal and separation systems, and bridges.“Roundup is small rural city with a small tax base, yet we are doing our best to make our small city a healthy and safe place to live and programs like this make that possible. The City of Roundup truly appreciates all of the help we have received from the TSEP program,” Roundup Mayor Sandra Jones said.

• City of Roundup: $15,000 to complete a water system Preliminary Engineering ReportEligible applicants for TSEP planning grants include incorporated cities or towns, counties, consolidated governments, tribal governments and county or multi-county water, sewer, or solid waste districts.