Commerce Awards $25 Million of Infrastructure Grant Funding to 47 Montana Communities

 


MONTANA – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that 47 Montana communities will share more than $25 million in infrastructure grants through the Montana Coal Endowment Program (MCEP).

"Commerce is proud to partner with Montana communities to ensure the affordability of important projects like these," Commerce Director Scott Osterman said. "These grants will help local communities address infrastructure and public facility needs while promoting the health and safety of residents across Montana."

MCEP infrastructure grants are used to fund new construction or rehabilitation of infrastructure projects such as drinking water systems, wastewater treatment facilities, storm water systems, solid waste systems and bridges. To better reflect the source of funding for this program through the Coal Severance Tax Trust Fund, the 67th Montana Legislature passed a law renaming the Treasure State Endowment Program to the Montana Coal Endowment Program.

As directed in House Bill 632, qualifying water and sewer projects on the list will be funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) appropriations. Commerce continues to review the water and sewer projects to ensure compliance with the requirements of ARPA.

The following communities will receive MCEP infrastructure grants:

• Roundup: $750,000 to replace water lines

• Winnett: $625,000 to replace sewer lines and construct improvements to wastewater treatment facility

"The MCEP grant funds are extremely important for projects in our small communities," said Mayor Mark Sheets of Thompson Falls. "Without this program, many wastewater and water projects would not be possible."

MCEP is a state-funded program that is designed to help address the affordability of local infrastructure projects by providing grants to lower the cost of constructing public facilities. Eligible applicants for grants include incorporated cities or towns, counties, consolidated governments, tribal governments and county or multi-county water, sewer or solid waste districts. Funding for the program comes from revenue earned on interest from Coal Severance Taxes.

For more information, visit COMDEV.MT.GOV.

 

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