Rural Communities

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Watch Duty App Proves Crucial For Wildfire Updates

The app, launched in 2021 and operating in 22 states, provides real-time, vetted updates about wildfires and firefighting efforts. Staffed by over 200 volunteers, including firefighters and emergency responders, Watch Duty prioritizes accurate, official information over speed, countering misinformation often spread during disasters.

Natrium ‘advanced nuclear’ power plant wins Wyoming permit

Bill Gates’ owned TerraPower’s project near Kemmerer still awaits approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Bill Would Hike Wyoming Hunting License Application Fees By 300% To 400%

Hunting license application fees could see huge increases in Wyoming, jumping 300% for Wyomingites and 400% for nonresidents under a legislative bill. Game and Fish would put that money to good use, proponents say. 

Montana Receives $7 Million for Housing

Winners of the PRO Housing competition will update state and local housing plans, revise land use policies, streamline the permitting process for housing construction, and take other actions to create more housing-forward communities. Grants will also be used to preserve existing affordable housing units, provide development subsidies to create new affordable units, and increase access to homeownership.

The Trump Administration’s Expected Impact on U.S. Rail

The President-Elect’s past actions and campaign statements indicate that it is unlikely to become a priority in his upcoming term. The shift in passenger rail policy may include reduced federal support for existing passenger rail services and high-speed rail projects. Additionally, public transit systems, which rely on federal funding, could face challenges in securing resources for the maintenance and expansion of rail systems due to cuts in discretionary transportation funding. Deregulation of the passenger and freight rail industries, which President Trump pursued in his first term, will likely resume in his second term.

Biden-Harris Administration Approves Delaware’s “Internet for All” Final Proposal (What About Our/Your State?)

Delaware Can Proceed Toward Network Construction That Will Connect All Remaining Homes and Small Businesses to Affordable High-Speed Internet

Montana Economic Developers Association 2025 Montana Legislature Policy Statements

MEDA (Montana Economic Developers Association) is comprised of more than 150 economic development practitioners from across the state working to advance development through business creation, expansion, and retention, as well as diversification of our state’s economic base.

Biden-Harris Administration Awards Additional $210 Million Tech Hub Grants

The six latest Hubs selected for implementation grants are among the 31 Tech Hubs designated in October 2023 by President Biden to scale up the production of critical technologies, create jobs in innovative industries, strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security, and accelerate the growth of industries of the future in regions across the United States.

Tester to work his family farm, put some ‘flies on the water’ to see what’s next

Certainly, farm work is top of his list, but he’s considered campaign finance reform a priority, and he’ll consider opportunities on that front, as well as others, including possible chances to teach.

State of Strong Towns Address – 1/30 – Online

Momentum for change is building across North America. People from cities big and small have made their streets safer, revitalized their economies and made housing more affordable. There’s never been a better time to get involved with the Strong Towns movement. Learn more about where the movement stands, how it got here and what lies ahead in 2025.

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The MDT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program encourages and supports the participation of companies owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in transportation contracts.

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Montana Technology Innovation Partnership (MTIP)- Promoting Technology Commercialization in the State of Montana.

Big Sky EDA- Building Businesses and Creating Jobs in the Greater Billings, Montana area

Prospera helps businesses and communities find their pathway to success, acting as the navigator, problem solver and catalyst for a strong Montana economy.