Almost $300,000 will Support Plans in Nine Communities to Strengthen Tourism and Local Economies Across eastern Montana
HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce today announced a second round of grant awards to support efforts from nine communities to promote long-term tourism and economic development in eastern Montana.
A total of $297,829 will be awarded through the Eastern Montana Tourism Partner Initiative Grant Program. The Eastern Montana Tourism Partner Initiative is an ongoing collaboration among the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development at Commerce and communities across eastern Montana that was formed in response to community leaders seeking to strengthen local economies.
The funding will be used to build or enhance existing tourism infrastructure, raise awareness of eastern Montana as a tourism destination and support sustainable economic development in the communities and nearby areas.
“This funding will support communities across eastern Montana in their ongoing work to strengthen local economies and create job opportunities in part by planning for sustainable tourism growth,” said Commerce Director Tara Rice. “The continued, collaborative effort through the Eastern Montana Tourism Partner Initiative allows us to keep showing travelers all that this part of our state has to offer.”
The funding announced today is part of the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development’s $1.3 million long-term investment in regional marketing, grants, staff expertise and access to new data to support the region’s goals of enhancing marketing efforts, strengthening tourism amenities and creating vibrant communities where families want to live.
“The Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes sincerely thank Governor Steve Bullock and the State of Montana for funding the Fort Peck Tribes’ application for the Baha Tata’ga Omaskaska Buffalo prayer Path,” said Tribal Chairman Floyd Azure, Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. “This Program will serve the Northeast Corner of the State of Montana as an economic anchor and focal point for the millions of visitors who travel through Northeast Montana each Summer vacation season.”
The second round of Eastern Montana Tourism Partner Initiative Grant awards will go to:
- Apsaalooke Tourism Project, $25,000, Crow Agency (Plenty Doors Community Development Corporation)
- Baha Tata’ga Omaskaska Buffalo Trail Prayer Path Project, $50,000, Poplar (Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes)
- Cheyenne Victory Days Project, $40,000, Lame Deer (Northern Cheyenne Tribe)
- Cook Lake Park and West End Trails Project, $7,000, Miles City (Miles City Area Economic Development Council)
- Developing Northeast Montana’s Recreation Opportunities Project, $36,000, Fort Peck (Montana’s Missouri River Country Tourism Region)
- Ekalakatic Dome Project, $38,000, Ekalaka (Carter County Geological Society)
- Glendive/Dawson County Portable Events Stage Project, $22,129, Glendive (Dawson County Economic Development Council)
- Northern Cheyenne Visitor Services & Marketing Project, $34,700, Lame Deer (The Peoples Partner For Community Development)
- Trail to Little Bighorn Project, $45,000, Billings (Visit Southeast Montana)
Learn more about the Eastern Montana Tourism Partner Initiative at MARKETMT.COM.
