Tourism Matters to Montana
Tourism Matters to Montana
COMMERCE AWARDS $1.8 MILLION IN GRANTS TO ENHANCE TOURISM AND RECREATION

COMMERCE AWARDS $1.8 MILLION IN GRANTS TO ENHANCE TOURISM AND RECREATION

HELENA – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today it has awarded $1.8 million of grant funding to 22 projects to boost tourism, increase recreational opportunities, and strengthen local economies.

“Tourism is one of Montana’s largest industries; just last year, more than 12 million non-residents visited Montana and spent nearly $5 billion. That’s why it’s important that we support Montana’s tourism regions and assets, to create good-paying jobs for the workers in these communities,” said Commerce Director Scott Osterman. “Not only will this grant funding help keep our state’s economy strong and sustainable, but it will allow these communities to showcase to visitors from all over the world what Montana has to offer.”

Eligible entities that may apply for tourism grants include cities, counties, non-profit organizations, and Tribal entities based in Montana.

Tourism Grant Program funding recipients:

  • The Town of Big Sandy will receive $117,637 for the completion of a new pool.
  • Cine Billings will receive $61,000 to support the Art House Cinema Phase 2 Expansion and Marquee.
  • The Copper Village Museum and Arts Center will receive $4,360 to upgrade the historic City Hall Art Gallery in Anaconda.
  • The Crow Tribe of Indians will receive $69,750 for content and creation of a Visit Crow Country website.
  • Custer County will receive $219,500 for completion of the kitchen at the Custer County Event Center in Miles City.
  • The Darby Rodeo Association will receive $144,297 to complete entrance and roadway enhancements to the Darby Rodeo Arena.
  • The Friends of Makoshika will receive $4,650 to design and install historic signage within Makoshika State Park near Glendive.
  • The Fort Benton Chamber of Commerce will receive $20,000 for remodeling the Fort Benton Visitor Center bathrooms.
  • The City of Great Falls will receive $200,000 for the completion elements of the Aim High Big Sky Recreation Center.
  • The Havre Area Chamber of Commerce will receive $94,000 to develop the Havre Community Splash Park.
  • The Kootenai River Stampede will receive $4,500 to complete horse stall improvements at the Stampede Fairgrounds in Libby.
  • The Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation will receive $4,300 to design and install accessible, interpretive botanical signage at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls.
  • The Little Shell Tribe of Montana will receive $176,038 to construct the Little Shell Pow Wow Arbor near Great Falls.
  • McCone County will receive $13,239 to complete a lighting and wiring project of the McCone County Museum in Circle.
  • Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation will receive $150,000 for the completion of a public viewing arena at the MT WILD Wildlife Center in Helena.
  • The National Museum of Forest Service History, Inc. will receive $197,500 to support building and marketing of the National Conservation Legacy Center in Missoula.
  • Prickly Pear Land Trust will receive $13,250 for phase one signage design and installation to the South Hills Trails System in Helena.
  • The City of Shelby will receive $12,400 to restore and install a historic sign.
  • The Southeast Montana Area Revitalization Team will receive $27,616 to complete a visitor center in Baker.
  • The University of Montana Western Foundation will receive $150,000 to construct the Montana Western Sports and Activities Complex in Dillon.
  • Visit Southeast Montana will receive $70,000 to develop the digital asset of The Badlands to Breaks to Beartooth's road trip.
  • Winnett ACES, Inc. will receive $45,963 to construct the Winnett Public Convenience Facilities and Bike Camp.
  • In 2020, the City of Glasgow received $16,833 of tourism grant funding to design and install a comprehensive branded wayfinding system throughout the city. The project increased out-of-area tourism expenditures by providing additional wayfinding signs to guide visitors where to dine, shop, visit art galleries, visit the local brewery, stay in the historic downtown hotel, and explore the downtown district.

The Tourism Grant Program is funded by the 4% Lodging Facility Use Tax, commonly known as the “Bed Tax.” Enacted by the 1987 Legislature, the Bed Tax is collected from guests of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, guest ranches, resorts, short-term vacation rentals, and campgrounds.

For more information about the Tourism Grant Program, visit BRAND.MT.GOV.

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