Grant for small diameter wood projects and 2000 fire impact

$248,656 AVAILABLE FROM COMMERCE ON FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS FOR COMMUNITIES
IMPACTED BY FIRES 2000

Guidelines Available at http://commerce.state.mt.us or e-mail [email protected].

Helena, MT – July 10, 2002 –Effective immediately the Montana Department of Commerce
Economic Action Program (EAP) is making the remaining $248,656 of a
$1.4 million U.S. Forest Service grant aimed at stabilizing rural Montana communities
impacted by wildfires 2000 available to all eligible parties on a first come, first served
basis.

Guidelines for submitting proposals can be accessed via the web at
http://commerce.state.mt.us, click on ‘Business Resources’, on ‘Programs’, then on
‘Economic Action Program,’ via e-mail [email protected] or by calling Fran Viereck,
Montana Department of Commerce, at 406/841-2736.

Proposals must be submitted to: Fran Viereck, The Montana Department of Commerce, 301 S.
Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200505, Helena, MT 59620-0505.

Rural communities, local and regional development corporations, businesses, credible
associations/institutions and tribal governments are eligible for grant money.

Awards are made on a competitive basis by a panel consisting of representatives from the
U.S. Forest Service and the Montana Department of Commerce. Economic sustainability, job
creation and community enhancement are key criteria to successful application of funds.
Twenty-two Montana entities have been awarded $1,060,353 by the Montana Department of
Commerce in U.S. Forest Service National Fire Plan funds since January.

In cooperation with the Northern Regional Office of the State and Private Forestry
Division, Missoula, the Montana Department of Commerce created within EAP three award
categories: Economic Action Program, Community Planning for Fire Protection Program, and
an Economic Action Pilot Program. Only local governments are eligible for Community
Planning for Fire Protection grants.

MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
U.S. FOREST SERVICE
HELENA, MONTANA

Contact: Fran Viereck, Program Manager Dave Atkins, Economic Action
Montana Department of Commerce Program Manager
406/841-2736 406/329-3134