Montana Department of Commerce Grant Offers $300,000 for Tourism Infrastructure Projects – August 1, 2008 Application Deadline

Montana Department of Commerce Director Anthony J. Preite announces that $300,000 in tourism funds are available for tourism-related projects through the agency’s 2008 Tourism Infrastructure Investment Program (TIIP) Grants. The deadline for TIIP grant applications is Friday, August 1, 2008.

“We invite non-profit organizations along with local and tribal governments from across the state to use our TIIP grants as part of the funding package they put together to improve Montana’s visitor attractions and facilities,” said Commerce Director Preite.

Governor Brian Schweitzer notes that since beginning in 1995, TIIP grants have invested almost $3 million in "bed tax" funds into 63 projects in 42 Montana communities. This investment has helped create over $33 million in new or improved tourism facilities.

“The TIIP grants have helped many museums and historic properties better tell their community’s story and Montana’s story. Wildlife education centers, dinner tour trains, arts, cultural and event centers and many other facilities our visitors and residents enjoy have benefited from this investment of tourism tax dollars,” said Governor Schweitzer.

The Commerce Department’s TIIP grants are for tourism-related “brick and mortar” projects sponsored and operated by non-profit organizations or local and tribal governments. Information about eligible projects, program guidelines and application forms are available on Travel Montana’s Intranet site http://www.travelmontana.mt.gov/forms or you can contact Travel Montana’s Victor Bjornberg at 406-841-2795, FAX 406-841-2871, [email protected].

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Marissa P. Kozel

Communications Director, Director’s Office

Montana Department of Commerce

406-841-2772

[email protected]