Baucus, Tester announce more than $33,000 for Great Falls Development Authority

Funding will be used to upgrade technology, improve service

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester today announced the Great Falls Development Authority will receive more than $33,000 to upgrade its outdated server and to replace old computers.

The Great Falls Development Authority’s grant writer, Kim Thiel-Schaaf, said her organization is currently using 12-year-old computers.  In fact, the same day Thiel-Schaaf applied for this money, her computer crashed.

“This money will bring us into the 21st Century and it will improve the service we provide to new and existing businesses,” Thiel-Schaaf said.

Great Falls Development Authority, Inc. is a non-profit corporation that provides financing services to new and existing small businesses and entrepreneurs in Cascade, Glacier, Pondera, Toole and Teton Counties. 

“This is good news for economic development in Great Falls and across the Big Sky State,” said Baucus, chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee.  “These funds are right for Montana because they help create good paying jobs and expand opportunities for businesses, new and old.”

“This is a smart investment in Montana,” said Tester, who serves on the influential Senate Appropriations Committee.  “We need to make sure organizations like Great Falls Development Authority have the tools and technology they need to help businesses create jobs and rebuild our economy.”

The $33,010 “technology upgrade” grant will come to Great Falls from the U.S. Treasury Department.