C-Falls, Libby and Eureka get state tourism grants

The city of Columbia Falls, along with organizations in Libby and Eureka, are among the recipients of grants for tourism and outdoor recreation activities announced Thursday by the Montana Department of Commerce.

Columbia Falls will receive $85,000 to improve restroom and parking amenities at the River’s Edge Park.

“The River’s Edge Park restroom and parking lot improvement project will significantly enhance the recreation experience for our citizens and visitors,” Columbia Falls City Manager Susan Nicosia said. “Receiving this grant award allows the city to complete these needed improvements in a timely manner.”

The Libby Area Chamber of Commerce will receive $4,833 to develop and print a high-quality visitor’s guide with digital availability.

The Eureka Youth Sports League will receive $50,000 to build a roller and ice hockey rink, as well as running and biking trails in the new, multiuse Eureka Sports & Recreational Park.

The state is awarding a total of $750,000 in 23 communities across Montana.

In 2018, 12.4 million non-resident visitors added $3.7 billion to Montana’s economy. That was a nearly 11 percent increase over 2017 visitor spending.