Subcommittee F hears testimony on two dozen historic‑preservation projects, highlights include Boulder Hot Springs and Hill County courthouse upgrades

The Subcommittee F hearing on Montana Historic Preservation Grant (MHPG) applications heard testimony from roughly 20 applicants representing projects across the state, from urban restoration work in Butte and Missoula to rural school and courthouse repairs.

Committee members and applicants focused questions on project scope, matching funds, timelines and public access. Witnesses described structural failures, contamination remediation, and the intended public uses that preservation grants would protect or restore.

Why it matters: the grants the committee reviews fund preservation work on buildings that applicants say are anchors for local tourism, civic life and community services. Several requestors emphasized that restoring buildings would support local small businesses, expand event or museum use, or allow health- and human‑service providers to operate in historically significant structures.

Most prominent testimony

- Boulder Hot Springs (Boulder): Annika Helmke, testifying for the Peace Valley Partnership (owners), said the 1910 bathhouse on the National Register is experiencing foundation and wood rot, leaks and accessibility barriers. Helmke said the owners have reinvested profits into the property, have collected more than half the required match, and plan to remain open during replacement work though one men’s pool area may close for roughly six months.

- Hill County Courthouse (Havre): Jake Strissel, chair of the Hill County Commission, asked the committee for MHPG support for elevator and HVAC replacement in a 15‑year courthouse renovation plan. Strissel described a $2,250,000 project with $1,750,000 expected from Hill County capital improvements and MHPG funds used for administration, engineering and…