Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $633,146 to Support Business Expansion and Growth Efforts in Columbia Falls, Montana

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $633,146 grant to the city of Columbia Falls, Montana, to build water and sewer infrastructure and improve roads to serve a growing business park. This EDA grant, to be matched with $633,146 in local investment, is expected to create 70 jobs and generate $5.8 million in private investment.

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities implement their plans to provide the vital infrastructure that businesses need to be successful,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary for Economic Development. “This EDA investment will accommodate the expansion of an innovative manufacturing firm and the Cedar Palace Medical Center and will help attract new businesses to the region.”

“The coronavirus pandemic has hit Montana’s economy hard, and as our businesses work hard to turn things around, this funding will be a valuable support,” said Senator Jon Tester. “These funds will help Columbia Falls build out critically needed infrastructure that will attract new businesses, create jobs, and put Montana’s economy back on the right track.”

“Montana small businesses have faced incredible challenges throughout this pandemic and stepped up to continue providing essential services to our communities,” said Senator Steve Daines. “I am pleased to announce they are receiving needed support with these grants, so they can continue to thrive.” This project will reconstruct a portion of 12th Avenue West roadway, make sewer system improvements, and connect the business park to city sewer and water services.

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by Flathead County Economic Development, which EDA funds to help bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.