GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Three Montana ROCs have received nearly $4.3 million in public funding to support infrastructure improvements in their communities.
Libby Creek Community in Libby received $2.4 million to replace its sewer system and connect to municipal water. This funding is supported by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Montana Coal Endowment Program (MCEP) and the Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program (RRGL). 
Hideaway Community in Columbia Falls created the Hideaway Water & Sewer District in 2022 and has received funding support from MCEP and RRGL totaling $875,000 toward its $1.4 million sewer replacement project. The community plans to apply for other funding opportunities and work with the Department of Natural Resources (DNRC) to receive a partially forgivable State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan to complete the project.
Morning Star Community in Kalispell has received a total of $975,000 in grant funding to date in its effort to raise $2.15 million to connect to the City of Kalispell’s water and sewer system. This project will take 21 septic tanks offline and has tremendous support from the Kalispell City Council. The City will sponsor a $750,000 CDBG Grant Application in the fall for the project and plans to apply for the remaining funds with an SRF Loan.
“The municipalities and elected officials in the area have been very supportive and been instrumental in the applications and awards received to date,” said Danielle Maiden, Cooperative Housing Director for NeighborWorks® Montana. “All three communities plan to have construction completed by the end of 2024 on their projects.”