Roundup for Safety awards grant funds

Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety program has awarded $25,549 in grants supporting community safety projects proposed by local nonprofit organizations.

The Libby Volunteer Fire Department received $7,185 to fund extrication equipment. 

Steve Lauer presented on behalf of the Libby VFD, noting, the purchase of this equipment will ensure that Libby VFD is equipped with the best possible tools to provide quicker and more efficient extrication tactics in the event of trapped citizens in a car crash.

"Any individual traveling through South Lincoln County involved in a crash would benefit from the availability of the extrication tool, along with any person that may experience lockout situations in a room or a collapse situation," he said.  

The Roundup for Safety Board of Directors noted the Libby VFD’s additional contributions of $2,000 each from the city of Libby and Lincoln County Rural Fire District.

 February grantees also include: Martin City VFD - $10,000 - radios; Whitefish Performing Arts Center - $3,564 - Genie lift; Kootenai Valley Christian School - $2,800 - playground safety borders, fill; Farming for the Future - $2,000 - gate safety improvement. 

Roundup for Safety funding comes from participating Flathead Electric Cooperative members who allow their monthly electric bills to be rounded up to the nearest dollar. The program costs each member about $6 per year and has provided over $5 million in funding since 1997.