Northwest Montana towns get block grants

Lake County and the cities of Libby and Plains will get a slice of funding from nearly $6.5 million in federal funding through the Montana Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant program for local infrastructure, housing and job creation.

Lake County will receive $450,000 to build 24 affordable homes.

Plains will get $286,000 for construction of protective barriers around lagoons.

Libby won a $450,000 grant to install about 1,100 feet of water transmission main line and 3,300 feet of other water lines.

The block-grant program provides funding and technical assistance to support local governments as they plan for future growth and development, develop specific plans for individual projects, and address community needs.