Senators: Nearly $100,000 in economic development grants

Dollars Will Be Spent Creating Good-Paying Jobs And Mapping A Path To Economic Growth

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Montana's U.S. Senators today announced that $97,000 in grants is headed to two tribal communities to aid in economic development projects. The funding will be used to create good-paying jobs and boost local businesses.

The Bear Paw Development Corporation of Northern Montana will receive $53,000 to help establish an economic development framework for the coming year. The dollars will be used to fund administrative operations, which includes staff salaries and planning assistance.  The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead will receive a similar grant for $44,000.

These grants help the organizations bring together public and private companies to strengthen the regional economy.

"These dollars couldn't have come at a better time," Baucus said. "Right now we are all focused on boosting our economy- these grants will help create good paying jobs and build the economic strength of our Tribal communities."

"Funding like this is a critical part of building Montana's communities and shoring up our economy," Tester said.  "These grants will go a long way toward making these communities stronger and more self-sufficient."

The grants were awarded from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration.