Montana tribes awarded economic development funds. More funding available

Tribes in Montana were recently awarded Indian Country Economic Development funds from the Montana Department of Commerce.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes were awarded $50,000 to support an equipment purchase at the tribally owned Flathead Stickers and Lathe Plant. The new equipment will open a new source of raw product for the business. The equipment will allow Flathead Stickers to make better use of forest slash piles and designated thinning blocks, will reduce fire potential, salvage otherwise unsalvageable raw product and offer tribal welfare recipients more diversified training opportunities.

The Little Shell Chippewa Tribe was also awarded $50,000. The tribe does not have a reservation but is headquartered in Great Falls. This project will provide support for a feasibility study, grant writing for potential support and the creation of a business plan for a tribal capital and visitor center.

By the Missoulian

Full Story: http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2006/02/20/news/mtregional/news06.txt