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Commission approves business and community grants including $300,000 car-wash award over a dissenting vote
Summary
The county approved three Economic Development Board recommendations: $65,000 to Copper City Sheet Metal, a contested $300,000 grant to Black Diamond Car Wash (passed 4–1), and a $50,000 pledge toward a Marcus Daly statue; commissioners debated the car-wash grant’s long-term economic value.
The Anaconda Deer Lodge County Commission approved three Economic Development Board recommendations July 2: a $65,000 reimbursement grant to Copper City Sheet Metal, a $300,000 reimbursement grant to Black Diamond Car Wash, and a pledge of up to $50,000 toward a Marcus Daly statue.
Carl, representing the Economic Development Board, described each recommendation. He said Copper City Sheet Metal’s project is near completion in the Arboretum subdivision and that $65,000 would represent roughly 10% of construction costs. "This first one is for the Kriskovitches with Copper City Sheet Metal...this 1, in the shape of a grant for 65,000 would be 10% of their construction costs," Carl told the commission. Commissioners supported that award and approved it unanimously.
The $300,000 recommendation for Black Diamond Car Wash—also presented as a 10% reimbursement of a roughly $3.0 million development—provoked a longer debate. Commissioner Gallagher said he would oppose the car wash grant: "I can't wrap my head around a car wash being an economic development engine...it's not like Copper City Sheet Metal, where their expansion increases creates employees...this is a quarter car wash." CEO Everett and the county attorney defended the proposal, saying the car wash will add services, increase taxable value in the East Yards and help keep local spending in town. Everett said the county's hotels are booked in summer and that adding amenities helps attract visitors and increase local tax revenue.
After discussion and a motion to approve the Black Diamond Car Wash grant, the commission voted 4–1 in favor; the record shows Commissioner Gallagher in opposition. The commission then approved a recommendation to pledge up to $50,000 to the Historic Resource Board to support erection of a Marcus Daly statue. Several commissioners and staff praised the memorial; public commenter Rose Nyman urged a careful site-selection process and broader public input because of historic Superfund settlement context.
Next steps: grants for Copper City and Black Diamond are reimbursement-style and will be paid after verified construction or substantial completion; staff said they will finalize paperwork and terms for reimbursement.
