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Anaconda-Deer Lodge County URA/TIF approves $78,552 for downtown building repairs and upgrades
Summary
The URA/TIF Board approved grant awards and extensions on Feb. 11, 2026, allocating $55,913.13 across five projects and an additional $22,639.04 to repair stained-glass windows at a historic childcare site; the board also approved targeted extensions for two property owners.
The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County URA/TIF Board voted on Feb. 11, 2026, to fund a series of downtown building repairs and upgrades, approving $55,913.13 in initial awards and a separate $22,639.04 community-project grant for historic window repairs at a childcare facility. Board member Kristy McKay moved the funding package; the motion carried 5-0.
Why it matters: The awards are intended to address building safety and historic-preservation priorities in the downtown TIF district while leveraging private investment and helping small businesses and community organizations complete deferred maintenance.
Details of the approved awards: The board approved the following funding in the motion that passed by unanimous vote: - Y.E.S.: $7,413.13 for façade/stair/soffit work and $6,250.00 for electrical structural repairs (board scoring prioritized electrical as the highest immediate need). - Rivers & Rivers (Phase 2 façade work at 110 W. 3rd St.): $20,000.00 (maximum under Façade category). - Anaconda Bicycles (electrical upgrades for upstairs residential units): $14,500.00. - Copper Holdings, LLC (site-related work at 310 E. Commercial Ave.): $7,750.00. These awards total $55,913.13; the board later approved an additional $22,639.04 in Community Project funding to Y.E.S. for stained-glass window coverings because the windows are on the historic bus-tour route, bringing the meeting’s approved funding to $78,552.17.
Extensions approved: The board approved an extension for Copper Holdings’ projects through the end of September 2026 (motion by Kristy McKay, carried 5-0) to allow coordination with state roadwork and contractors. Separately, the board approved a six-month extension for Mike Reilly’s façade work at 509 and 511 E. Park Ave. (motion by Carl Hamming, carried 5-0).
Applications not advanced or tabled: The board declined to score MT Titles’ application because the owner does not hold a local business license, a stated application requirement. The Smelter City Senior Citizen’s Center application was tabled pending a legal opinion from the County Attorney about out-of-district eligibility; the board voted to wait for that opinion before acting.
Who spoke: Applicants and advocates described project needs during presentations: Abbey Francisco-Allick and Geri Wyant for Y.E.S.; Rich Rivers for Rivers & Rivers; Emily Adams for Anaconda Bicycles; Dave McCarthy for Copper Holdings; and Leigha Bates for the Smelter City Senior Citizen’s Center. Board members pressed for documentation of matching funds and discussed eligibility rules during scoring.
What’s next: Awarded applicants will follow grant-agreement procedures and reimbursement requirements set by the administrator. The board also requested clarifications to grant-agreement language and proof-of-payment requirements for future consideration.
