Grants to local groups aimed at tourism

Four Northwest Montana communities will get a slice of $750,000 in state grants to help develop tourism and recreation. The grant funds will support $1.8 million of investments into infrastructure and marketing projects. Glacier Nordic Club of Whitefish received $51,000 to purchase a groomer to improve cross-country skiing on existing and future Big Mountain Nordic ski trails.

Kalispell Lakers Baseball Association received $8,000 for upgrades to the Griffin baseball field in order to host state tournaments.

The city of Libby received $85,355 for welcome andwayfinding signs.

Lake County Community Development Corp. of Ronan received $15,000 to restore the Ronan Arch.

The funds are being awarded through the Tourism Grant Program at the Department of Commerce, Office of Tourism and Business Development. Eligible projects include arts, culture and heritage preservation; visitor facility upgrades and construction; and niche product development.