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Daniels County to pursue capital improvements plan, considers historic-preservation grant
Summary
Commissioners authorized pursuing a Capital Improvement Plan and heard a briefing from Lynette, a state grant writer, on the Historic Preservation Grant Program (deadline May 2026, 50% local match, awards typically in June 2027).
Daniels County commissioners voted on July 21 to pursue a formal Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and instructed staff to solicit planning grants and work with a consultant to position the county for construction and preservation funding.
Lynette, introduced to the board as the county’s grant writer from Helena, told commissioners the Historic Preservation Grant Program focuses on building envelopes (walls, roofs, doors, windows, foundations, mechanical systems) and requires a 50% local match. ‘‘That’ll be in May, early May of 2026…they go to the legislature in ’27, and then they are awarded in usually June of 2027,’’ Lynette said, explaining the multi-year timetable and advising the county to compile contractor estimates now to shape the application.
Commissioners discussed prioritizing the courthouse foundation and balcony repair as phased work items, and clarified procurement rules: the entire project must be evaluated for bidding limits (Montana code triggers formal bidding if total project cost exceeds $80,000). Lynette recommended obtaining quotes to size a grant request and determine a realistic county match.
The board also reviewed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) planning-grant options that could fund a CIP: the planning grant maximum is $50,000 with a required 25% match. A commissioner moved and the board seconded authorization to pursue a CIP and to contract with Interstate Engineering to prepare grant applications and the planning document; the motion passed by voice vote.
What’s next: staff will gather contractor estimates, draft a prioritized list of courthouse improvements, and move forward with a CDBG planning-grant application and CIP work with Interstate Engineering.
