To the Editor,
During the 2019 Legislature, Gov. Steve
Bullock, legislators, and Montanans across the Treasure State worked tirelessly
to keep history alive in a variety of ways.
Senate Bill 338, also known as the
Montana Museums Act, is best known for providing a portion of the funds to
build the new Montana Heritage Center. But the legislation also creates an
ongoing historic preservation grant program for counties, incorporated cities
or towns, tribal governments, associations and incorporated nonprofit groups.
Feb. 28 is the deadline to apply for the first
round of grants, which are administered through the Montana Department of Commerce and provide up to $500,000 for
improvements to historic sites, societies and museums and can include building
repairs and renovations, security and fire protection upgrades or
infrastructure work.
The grants are meant to increase economic
development, revitalize communities and enhance tourism statewide while adding
jobs, expanding businesses and improving local tax bases. The 2021 legislature
will determine grant recipients, with funds being distributed in 2021 across
Montana.
The money for the grants and for some
construction costs for the Montana Heritage Center doesn’t come from general
tax revenues. Instead, the law increases by 1 percent the state lodging tax,
which will add only $1 per $100 to a night’s lodging costs.
The new Montana Heritage Center will be
adjacent to the existing Montana Historical Society building and directly
across the street from the state capitol. Its estimated $53 million
construction costs include $10 million in private donations, with about $4
million already raised.
Everyone benefits from this farsighted
legislation, which hopefully will last into perpetuity. The Board of Trustees
and Director Bruce Whittenberg appreciate both your support and contributions
to this “Program for the Ages.”
Montana Historical Society Board of Trustees
Helena, MT
