Trust board commits $190,000 to support county trail grant applications

The trust board voted unanimously on March 17 to commit $190,000 to support a series of trail grant applications led by BCDC and the local trails committee.

Carol Hatfield, presenting for BCDC and the trails committee, asked the board to fund pre-application engineering and grant-preparation work so the county’s applications would be more competitive. “I am here representing um BCDC and the trail committee,” Hatfield said, listing a supplemental request that includes $31,500 for pre-application engineering, $1,843 for an asphalt-trail contingency and additional amounts tied to four identified grants. She told the board that, if successful, “we have the potential BCDC has the potential to bring in over a million $1.3 million into the community to help with this grant.”

Why it matters: The board’s commitment is intended to unlock outside funding and matching donations. Board members emphasized that a letter of commitment is generally required at the time of application and that matching funds would be requested only if a grant is awarded. One board member summarized the practical effect: funds must be available months after award when contracts and obligations begin.

Board members questioned costs and competitiveness. The discussion covered consultant fees (small grants $3,000–$5,000; larger, complex projects up to about $8,500), the competitive nature of Transportation Alternatives and other state and federal grant programs, and the timing of when match money would be needed. Hatfield acknowledged the uncertainty: “Nothing’s guaranteed in these things,” she said, adding that resubmitting an improved application is possible but can delay projects for up to two years.

The motion to grant $190,000 — described by proponents as including the $31,500 pre-application amount — was made and seconded and then approved by voice vote with no opposition. After the vote, speakers said roughly $31,500 could be transferred promptly for engineering work, while the balance would remain in the county account until individual grant awards triggered match obligations. Members stressed the need to hold committed money in the county account (not in investment accounts) to ensure it can be obligated when required.

The board also heard that the Montana Trails Coalition has expressed interest in using Broadwater County as a pilot for statewide trail planning and that the trust board’s commitment could help leverage private donations and volunteer support. A dedication ceremony for the county’s portion of the Missouri River Paddlers Trail (BC 43 section) was announced for July 18.

What’s next: The board expects a separate, commission-side request for the immediate $31,500 to be processed next week and will treat additional match requests on a case-by-case basis as grants are awarded. The trust’s next meeting was scheduled for April 14.

The meeting record shows no formal vote counts by name; the transcript records a unanimous voice vote but does not list individual member votes.