Grants awarded for tourism-related emergency service projects

Local safety agencies across Montana will share more than $1.4 million of grant funding to support tourism-related emergency service projects in rural areas.

The funding is through Commerce’s Montana Emergency Tourism Assistance Grant Program.

“Emergency services are critical in rural areas of the state that may have experienced an increase in visitation recently,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “At Commerce, we’re proud to support first responders and others who help save lives and improve public safety in our rural communities.”

The METAP program is designed to support services provided by public or private safety agencies including law enforcement, firefighting and ambulance or medical services.

The following Northwest Montana entities will receive METAP grant funding:

• The city of Libby Police Department will receive $75,000 for the purchase of a police vehicle.
• The Libby Volunteer Fire Department will receive $75,000 for the purchase of a self-contained breathing apparatus compressor system and fill station.
• The city of Polson Fire Department will receive $66,000s for the purchase of advanced life support equipment, including cardiac monitors and Lucas auto-pulse devices.
• The city of Polson Police Department will receive $50,701 for the purchase of two trailers, a variable message sign and supporting equipment.
• Sanders County will receive $62,858.25 for the purchase of a police vehicle.
• Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue will receive $21,075 for the purchase of a search and rescue snowmobile.
• The city of Thompson Falls will receive $65,814.25 for the purchase of a police vehicle.
• The city of Thompson Falls will receive $75,000 for the purchase of two police vehicles.
• The Thompson Falls Rural Fire Department will receive $61,685 for the purchase of extrication tools and accessories to assist with emergency responses.

Eligible applicants for METAP funding include rural incorporated cities or towns, counties, consolidated governments, tribal governments and any entity that provides emergency services or response units to a rural area. METAP is a state-funded opportunity authorized by the 2023 Legislature’s enactment of Senate Bill 540.