Bozeman, Mont., Dec. 23, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development in Montana State Director Kathleen Williams announced today that USDA is investing almost $1 million to expand access to economic opportunities and improve housing and educational infrastructure for rural and tribal areas across Montana.  

“USDA Rural Development is working hard to effectively target our community investments to those who need it the most,” said Williams. “This funding will allow several Montana communities to focus on the critical economic development, infrastructure, and social service needs of rural and tribal residents. USDA Rural Development is committed to ensuring fair access to resources across the diversity of our rural and tribal communities so they can thrive and grow.”  

Funding recipients in Montana include: 

Montana Cooperative Development Center in Cascade County received a $175,000 Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant. This funding will support development of programming and feasibility work for indigenous communities, programs focused on women’s equity, work with partners on a feasibility study and business plan development, workforce development, and a private financial planning company for strengthening start-up cooperatives.

Homeword, Inc. in Missoula received a $125,000 Housing Preservation Grant to fund repair and rehabilitation of one historical building, one non-historical building, and property serving 24 low or very low-income households.

Beartooth Resource Conservation & Development  received a $131,447 Rural Community Development Initiative Grant to implement the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation's goal of increasing affordable housing opportunities for Carbon County residents. This will strengthen the local economy and provide access to equity building for low-income households.

Aaniiih Nakoda College on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation received a $348,017 Tribal College Initiative Grant to perform maintenance on seven campus buildings, improving aesthetic appeal and preventing structural damage.

Chief Dull Knife College on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation received a $164,000 Tribal College Initiative Grant to purchase vehicle servicing equipment for their maintenance area. Their field research area will also receive new equipment to help facilitate its efforts.  

USDA Rural Development has six offices in Montana – Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell and Missoula. To learn more about investment resources for rural and tribal areas in Montana call (406) 585-2540 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/mt.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal. and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

Click here to read the full press release on the USDA website.