Opportunity Link and partners held a technical assistance workshop to provide communities with information and resources on improving the safety and accessibility of city streets and recreational trails. Topics covered included health and the built environment, planning for improved street and trail networks, bicycle tourism, building trails on a local level, and funding for projects. The Street and Trail Resource Packet contains handouts and contact information for technical assistance providers, bicycle tourism opportunities, Montana Department of Transportation resources, and funding source options. Below are some links for additional information:

The Recreational Trails Program is administered by Montana State Parks to promote public health, economic growth, transportation infrastructure, and local community pride and identity. Grant funding associated with the program is available for Montana communities to conduct trail maintenance, build new trails, develop trailside facilities, and provide education and safety on outdoor recreation. Funding for the 2015 grant cycle opens on December 19th and closes on March 6th. 

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) administers many programs for Infrastructure, Planning, Education, and Data Collection projects that local communities are conducting. This list provides a description and contact information for each of those programs.

The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program was established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana’s agricultural industry. GTA is a grant and loan program that supports efforts of businesses developing new agricultural products and processes. Local Food and Agricultural Development Centers (FADC) can assist in project planning and application materials. 

The Community Connect program makes funds available for cooperatives, incorporated organizations, tribes, and government units to complete broadband projects in rural areas. Projects must seek to provide internet services to areas where broadband is least likely to be available and most likely to have a huge impact on quality of life. Applications for the FY 2015 cycle must be submitted by February 17, 2015, via grants.gov. An application guide can be found here: www.rurdev.usda.gov.

The Montana Farmers Market Directory is a publication of the Montana Department of Agriculture. This document contains information on farmers markets throughout the state and who the contact person is for each market. It also includes the location and times that markets are held and whether the market accepts SNAP and/or WIC benefits.