Leveraging Funds to Support Mineral County

Published: 2022
By Emily Park

Mineral County MSU Extension in coordination with the Mineral County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) was selected to manage $521,000 in Minimum Allocation Grant (MAG) funds on behalf of Mineral County. MSU Extension serves the county with grant writing, grant and program administration, and facilitating procedures to utilize funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to get where they need to go to make a difference in Mineral County. So far, the county has allocated funds to the St. Regis Sewer District and the Towns of Alberton and Superior to improve sewer and water systems. Additional projects are currently under review or in the process of submission. Mineral County MSU Extension continues to facilitate and administer over $450,000 in funds reserved for small business development through the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). There are currently five small businesses utilizing these funds and two local companies, Superior Meats and Western Montana Specialty Foods, were able to expand their facilities, processing, employment creation, and national marketing opportunities. RLF funds have contributed to the continued success of many small businesses and provided the capital needed to successfully startup the Moxie Market, a small family-owned store in St. Regis that sells only Made in Montana products.