Montana Department of Commerce Director to Present Over $1.3 Million in Grants to Economic Development Projects in Eastern Montana

Three Day Tour to Westby, Wolf Point, Malta & Chinook

(HELENA) – Montana Department of Commerce Director Anthony Preite will present more than $1.3 million dollars in economic development grants to five projects in northeastern Montana. Preite will make stops in Westby, Wolf Point, Malta and Chinook during a three day tour of northeastern Montana, starting Monday, October 22, 2007.

“Montana’s on the move,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “I am committed to growing local economies beyond the boot of western Montana, and improving the quality of life for all Montanans.”

“The Montana Department of Commerce provides support to countless economic development projects across the state,” said Preite. “I welcome the opportunity to travel and see firsthand, the progress these projects have made, and the benefits they’re bringing to local communities.”

Monday, October 22

3:00 p.m. @ Westby City Office, 207 Main Street, Westby

Director Preite will present $293,000 in funds to the city of Westby and New Century Ag for infrastructure improvements and workforce training related to the expansion of New Century Ag facility. The city of Westby will receive $243,000 in funding, from the Community Development Block Grant – Economic Development (CDBG-ED) program and $25,000 from the Big Sky Trust Fund (BSTF). New Century Ag will receive $25,000 in funding from the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) program.

Tuesday, October 23

9:00 a.m. @ Great Northern Development Corporation, 233 Cascade Street, Wolf Point

Director Preite will present $500,000 in funds to the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Funds will be used for design, site development, and planning. Funds were allocated to the Montana Department of Commerce by the 2007 Legislature.

2:30 p.m. @ Future Dinosaur Museum location next to Phillips County Museum, 431 Highway 2 East, Malta

Director Preite will present $50,000 in funds to the Judith River Foundation, Inc. for museum exhibits, furnishings, equipment and finishing work. Funds are from the Tourism Infrastructure Investment Program (TIPP).

3:00 p.m. @ Peaks & Prairies, 100 Opportunity Drive, Malta

Director Preite will present $410,000 to Peaks and Prairies, LLC for training of up to 30 new, full time employees. Funds are from the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) program.

Wednesday, October 24

9:00 a.m. @ Blaine County Wildlife Museum, 317 Indiana Street, Chinook

Director Preite will present $50,000 in funds to the Blaine County Wildlife Museum and the Blaine County Museum for a Moose-Grizzly Encounter Display and finishing work. Funds are from the Tourism Infrastructure Investment Program (TIPP).

###

Marissa Kozel

Communications Director, Director’s Office

Montana Department of Commerce

406-841-2772

[email protected]