Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Aging Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bill to fund senior-center repairs and upgrades wins broad support in committee
Summary
House Bill 182 would create a competitive $5 million grant program to fund capital improvements at Montana senior centers, with a 1:1 cash match and maximum grants of $250,000; supporters said the centers provide meals, socialization and services that reduce long-term care costs.
Representative John Fitzpatrick introduced House Bill 182 to establish a competitive, one-time $5 million grant program in the Department of Commerce to fund construction, remodeling and equipment purchases for senior citizen centers statewide. The program would cap grants at $250,000 per project, limit awards to two grants per county (maximum $350,000 by county) and require a dollar-for-dollar cash match.
Multiple proponents including AARP volunteers, Rocky Mountain Development Council representatives and local senior-center directors described senior centers as critical community hubs that provide congregate meals, exercise classes, health screenings and socialization; proponents argued investments in centers prevent or delay institutional long-term-care placements and improve seniors' nutrition and mental health. JC Jetty (Smelter City Senior Citizen Center) described aging infrastructure and decades-old kitchen appliances in need of replacement.
Department of Commerce staff said the department would administer the program and described a streamlined application approach with bid documentation and reimbursement structure. Representative Fitzpatrick said the program is modeled on a 2023 appropriation for homeless shelter capital improvements and emphasized the competitive, one-time nature of the funding.
