Montana Department of Commerce is Accepting Applications for Historic Preservation Grants

The Montana Department of Commerce is now accepting applications for a newly established Historic Preservation Competitive Grant Program. Montana cities, towns, counties, non-profit organizations and private entities are encouraged to apply for the more than $3.6 million available through the Program. The deadline to submit applications is November, 16th, 2009.

The Historic Preservation Competitive Grant Program was created through the Montana Reinvestment Act (HB645), which implements the federal American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Montana is the only state in the nation to make funds available for historic preservation as part ARRA. The Montana Reinvestment Act provided a total of $4 million to the program. Of that total, the Montana Reinvestment Act allocated awards to three historic preservation projects:

Marcus Daly Mansion, Hamilton: $50,000 for Restoration and Preservation

St. Mary’s Mission, Stevensville: $40,000 for Restoration and Preservation

Traveler’s Rest Historic Site, Lolo: $180,000 for Restoration and Preservation

“Montana’s rich and colorful history is a key player in contributing to our economy,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “From the 10 million out-of-state travelers who visit Montana each year, to the businesses that operate in Montana’s historic downtown districts – historic places generate revenue for most every Montana community. Through these funds, we are preserving our history, putting people to work, reinvesting in our economy, improving efficiency, increasing public safety, and making a cleaner, healthier Montana.”

“The Montana Department of Commerce encourages eligible organizations to apply for these important funds,” said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Many partners have worked diligently to secure these funds for Montana. The Department will work equally as hard to ensure these funds are used to preserve Montana’s most special places.”

The grant ceiling for HB 645 historic preservation grants is $250,000. Grant requests must be sufficient either by themselves or in combination with other proposed funding sources to complete the proposed activities. Individual grants will be awarded only in amounts appropriate to the scope of the identified proposed project activities, and the documented needs, resources and administrative capacity of the applicant. The MDOC reserves the right to award an amount that is less than what is requested, in order to fund only a specific portion of the proposed project. Therefore, applicants should identify the cost associated with each portion of the proposed project that could be completed as a stand-alone project.

Eligible applicants may submit only one application for a Historic Preservation Grant. The Department will not accept multiple applications that are intended to support the same historic preservation project.

The five competitive criteria included in the Montana Reinvestment Act will be used to determine the merit of each application for historic preservation competitive grants. The funding criteria are:

(1) The degree of economic stimulus or economic activity, including job creation and work creation for Montana contractors and service workers;

(2) The timing of the project, including the access to matching funds if needed and approval of permits so the work can be completed without delay;

(3) The historic or heritage value related to the State of Montana;

(4) The successful track record or experience of the organization directing the project; and

(5) The expected on-going economic benefit to the State as a result of the project completion.

For more information on the Historic Preservation Competitive Grant Program, or to apply for funds, visit http://recovery.mt.gov/commerce/hpg/default.mcpx, or call 406-841-2776.