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Madison-Jefferson Counties

Boulder Project Work

Published: 2020
By Tom Harrington & Alison Richardson
In 2017, legislative action directed the closure of the Boulder Montana Developmental Center (MDC), resulting in the loss of the largest community employer. MSU Extension helped the community establish working groups to look at facility re-utilization options and coordinate with potential end users. Progress is being made with establishing a veteran pain management center, veteran support center, and commercial kitchen re-utilization. There are ongoing discussions about using the facility as a central training center for workforce development, central logistical distribution facility and medical component manufacturing. A site master plan and infrastructure analysis are in progress to help with future re-utilization decision making. A community $500,000 legislative appropriation helped mitigate the economic impacts from the closure of the MDC. MSU Extension provided assistance and leadership with the implementation of a Downtown Master Plan, updated Growth Policy, River Trails Master Plan with trail design, Recreation Park Master Plan, establishing a $100,000 business revolving Loan Fund (RLF), accomplishing downtown business building façade improvements, development of a Boulder brand and logo, erecting gateway signs, development of a Boulder website, constructing outdoor restrooms supporting increased park activities, installation of fiber high-speed internet lines, and several other projects contributing to community vitality.
New gateway sign in Boulder.