Lawmakers weigh interim study to improve Montana access to federal grants for tribal and local governments
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Summary
Rep. Luke Muskevich introduced HJR 28, asking the committee to authorize an interim study to identify barriers and improve access to federal grants for the state, tribes, counties, cities and school districts.
Representative Luke Muskevich introduced House Joint Resolution 28 to request an interim study aimed at identifying and improving Montana entities' access to federal grant opportunities, including tribal governments, counties, cities and school districts. Muskevich said the idea was prompted by large, recent federal awards to Montana agencies and localities and by concerns that smaller or rural jurisdictions lack capacity to apply for and administer federal grants.
"The right grant for the right project made to the right organization at the right time presents significant potential for economic development," Muskevich told the committee. He cited a recent approximately $47.5 million economic development grant to assist three counties with infrastructure and a separate $700 million commitment for part of a transmission line and said such awards represent generational investments.
Multiple proponents supported the study: Doug Reisig of the Montana Quality Education Coalition said the study would identify disparities and recommend strategies to promote equity in federal-grant acquisition; Kevin Wade of the Montana Chamber of Commerce pointed to benefits for businesses and communities and cited several recent grant awards; Kelly Lynch of the Montana League of Cities and Towns described small towns' fears about federal reporting and administrative burden and urged capacity-building; Delina Cuts The Rope (Fort Belknap planning director) urged attention to barriers such as population thresholds, matching requirements and data-validation rules facing tribal governments.
Mandy Rambo, deputy director at the Department of Commerce, appeared as an informational witness and noted the department's involvement in several federal grant programs and recent awards. Proponents urged the committee to authorize the study to document how federal funds affect Montana communities and to recommend ways to increase successful applications and administration at local and tribal levels.
No formal committee vote was recorded during the hearing; the sponsor asked members for consideration and a due pass so the interim study could proceed.