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County authorizes pursuit of historic-preservation grant and a capital-improvements plan
Summary
Daniels County commissioners agreed to pursue a Historic Preservation Grant (50% local match, awards typically up to ~$350,000) and authorized Interstate Engineering to begin a capital improvement plan, with an accompanying recommendation to consider CDBG planning grants (max $50,000; 25% match).
Daniels County commissioners authorized staff to pursue a Historic Preservation Grant for courthouse envelope work and instructed Interstate Engineering to begin a county capital improvement plan (CIP).
Lynette, the grant writer from Helena, told the board that the Historic Preservation Grant Program focuses on building envelopes—roofs, walls, windows, foundations and mechanical systems—and requires a 50% local match. She outlined the timeline for the program: applications prepared in 2026, go to the legislature in 2027, and awards are typically announced June 2027. "They are due in 26, they go to the legislature in 27, and then they are awarded in usually June of 2027," Lynette said.
Commissioners discussed project priorities identified in a recent structural evaluation—particularly foundation repair and balcony work—and asked staff to gather contractor estimates to determine what portions of the scope the county can match. Lynette emphasized that costs incurred before an award cannot be counted as match; only expenses after the award letter qualify.
Separately, Lynette and staff recommended pursuing a CDBG planning grant to prepare a CIP; commissioners agreed, noting a CDBG planning grant can provide up to $50,000 with a 25% local match and that an adopted CIP can strengthen future competitive construction grant applications. A motion to pursue the CIP through Interstate Engineering was made, seconded, and approved.
What’s next: staff will assemble estimates for foundation and balcony work, evaluate match capacity, and start CIP planning with Interstate Engineering in early 2026 to align with grant guideline publication.
