Montana subcommittee hears more than 20 preservation grant proposals, defers final funding decisions

HELENA — A legislative subcommittee heard testimony Monday from more than 20 communities and preservation groups seeking state grants to repair and reuse historic buildings across Montana, from Kalispell and Libby to Anaconda and Harlowton.

The hearing before Subcommittee F, chaired by Rep. Fitzpatrick, featured brief presentations from nonprofit boards, local governments and private owners describing restoration work on hotels, depots, theaters, schoolhouses and small‑town commercial blocks. Testimony emphasized the projects’ roles in local economies, tourism and community uses, requests for matching funds and follow‑up documentation for the department’s review.

Why it matters: The Montana Historic Preservation Grant (MHPG) program is intended to provide brick‑and‑mortar support for cultural assets that local communities often cannot afford to rehabilitate on their own. Applicants told the committee that awards can leverage private donations, local government matching dollars and volunteer labor, and that projects typically create local construction jobs while preserving spaces used for public events, affordable housing and museums.

The hearing opened with administrative matters and schedule changes, then moved through a roster of witnesses who each gave a short project overview and answered committee…