Polson joins program to preserve historic downtown

Polson is now a member of the Montana Department of Commerce’s Montana Main Street Program.

The program helps Montana communities strengthen and preserve historic downtowns by supporting economic development, urban revitalization and historic preservation projects.

City Planner Kyle Roberts said the city has been working with a community group for the last four months to get into the program.

“Now that we’re in the program, we have access to limited grant funds,” Roberts told the City Commission on March 2.

The program was established in 2005 and currently serving 34 communities across the state. It’s a collaborative effort between the Community Development Division and the Montana Office of Tourism.

Other communities accepted into the program this year include Baker, Ekalaka, Havre and Lincoln.

Last year the program awarded $105,000 in grant funding, including $15,000 to Thompson Falls to fund an architectural report for the historic Black Bear Inn.

“The Department of Commerce is dedicated to supporting communities in their efforts to improve the economic, historic and cultural vitality of Montana’s downtowns,” Commerce Director Tara Rice said. “The Montana Main Street Program supports these communities through coordination and technical assistance with a focus on maintaining and restoring vibrant community districts and preserving historic structures that contribute to Montana’s unique sense of place.”

For more information about the Montana Main Street program visit comdev.mt.gov.