County backs West Mountain Valley agricultural collective to pursue DOLA and Boettcher grants, agrees to up to $10,000 match

Custer County commissioners voted to support an initiative led by local lodging owner Bianca Tinker and grant consultant Gina Graham to build a West Mountain Valley agricultural collective and marketplace, and to pursue grant funding including a Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) rural economic development grant and a Boettcher Foundation grant.

The presenters described a database and marketing effort connecting roughly 55–60 local agricultural producers to visitors and local buyers, and a proposed downtown brick-and-mortar market at a building identified in the meeting as Hansen Hall. Grant consultant Gina Graham said the DOLA rural economic development opportunity is “up to $100,000” and described it as tailor-made for rural communities seeking economic resilience and capacity building; she also identified a $10,000 Boettcher Foundation opportunity with a mid-March deadline.

Commissioners discussed match requirements and timelines and authorized staff to support and submit grant applications. The board agreed to a preliminary county commitment of up to 10% of a $100,000 DOLA award (up to $10,000) from available tourism/destination-development funds, subject to final budget checks and confirmation of necessary match or philanthropic options.

What presenters said and what commissioners authorized

- Bianca Tinker (Raven’s Lodging) described an outreach and marketing database for local ranchers and producers, saying she has recruited about 55–60 producers and is exploring a downtown market location. She said ranchers have been “over the top excited” and that many producers are willing to participate in marketing and a cooperative marketplace.

- Gina Graham (grant writer) described initial funder research and identified two near-term opportunities: a DOLA rural economic development grant (up to $100,000; match between 20–50% described by DOLA guidelines but negotiable after regional manager consultation) and a Boettcher Foundation grant of about $10,000. Graham requested the county’s permission to submit applications by mid-March.

- Commissioners said they support pursuing the grants and expressed willingness to consider a local match. One commissioner asked that, if needed, the board could provide up to 10% (i.e., up to $10,000 on a $100,000 grant) from tourism/destination development funds; commissioners agreed to that ceiling and to provide a draft county letter of support if requested.

Budget and timelines

Meeting discussion noted the county has previously proposed line items totaling about $35,000 across airport marketing, the agricultural collective and destination development; board members said those allocations could be adjusted if needed. Presenters said the DOLA and Boettcher deadlines fall in mid-March and asked the board to authorize immediate submission so deadlines can be met.

Next steps and caveats

The county’s action at the meeting authorized pursuit and application for grants and a preliminary funding commitment up to $10,000; acceptance of any awarded grant and final appropriation of county funds would require a subsequent formal vote by the board. Presenters also asked for a county letter of support; the commissioners asked for a draft letter to be sent to staff for processing.

Ending

Commissioners praised the proposal as a local economic development opportunity that could expand direct-to-consumer sales for local ranchers and requested staff coordination on match options and, if needed, a special meeting to finalize match commitments before grant deadlines.