Troy secures state grants for campground, trailhead

Troy City Council recently received two state grants totaling $36,000 in an effort to boost the municipality’s tourist attractions.

The state Department of Commerce announced the city was set to receive $26,000 to improve its cycling and recreation campground last month. A $10,000 Montana Trail Stewardship Grant (MTSG), announced in April through the state Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, will help the municipality develop the Troy Trail System Trailhead at Pedaler’s Park with signage, a bike repair station and a four-site campground.

Mayor Dallas Carr commended city councilors for their efforts in securing the funds during a May 19 meeting.

“That’s diligence. We did it; we got it,” Carr said. “You guys, thank you.”

The state Department of Commerce announced a total of $750,000 in funding through its Tourism Grant Award this year. The funding will serve 26 communities and boost 35 projects across the state. Officials designed the grant system to strengthen local economies by boosting tourism and recreation, according to a release from the department.

Funding for the Tourism Grant Program comes from the 4 percent state lodging and facility use tax.

The proposed funds awarded through MTSG this year topped $1.15 million and would go towards 41 projects, according to a release from FWP.

Legislators authorized the MTSG program during the 2019 legislative session. For each $9 light vehicle registration fee, the program receives $1.37. The program allocates 30 percent of its funding each cycle towards motorized projects, 30 percent to non-motorized projects and 40 percent to multi-use trails.

FWP will accept public comment on MTSG awards through June 18.