Grant writer outlines timeline, match requirements for historic-preservation grants; commissioners authorize capital-improvements planning

Gwen Diaz, identified in the meeting as the county's grant writer, briefed Daniels County commissioners on the state's historic-preservation grant program and recommended the county begin planning for a multi-year application.

"The maximum grants that are getting awarded on this is up 350,000," Diaz said, and she told commissioners applications are due in May 2026, go to the legislature in 2027 and awards are typically announced in June 2027. She advised the commission the program focuses on building "envelopes" — walls, roofs, doors, windows, foundations, and systems such as heating and plumbing — and requires a 50% local match.

Commissioners discussed priorities identified in a structural evaluation (foundation and balcony) and whether to break the work into phases. Diaz and staff said any work the county incurred before an award letter could only be treated as estimates; costs count toward the match only after the award date. Commissioners also asked whether smaller electrical work under $80,000 would be subject to the state bidding code; Diaz advised the county must consider the total project in determining solicitation requirements under Montana code.

Given the time needed to prepare estimates and prioritize items, a commissioner made a motion to pursue a county capital-improvement plan and authorized staff to work with Interstate Engineering on the planning process; commissioners approved the motion. The grant writer said the county likely would start the grant application process in March 2026, after the state's updated guidelines are released.

Next steps: staff will gather quotes for prioritized elements (foundation, balcony, electrical) and work with the grant writer and Interstate Engineering on a CIP that can support competitive grant applications.