RRGL Emergency Grant (MT)

The RRGL Emergency Grant provides crucial funding for urgent projects in Montana that threaten the management of renewable resources. With a budget of $300,000, grants up to $30,000 are available for projects that cannot wait for legislative approval. Eligible entities include state and local governments, while funds can cover various water-related emergencies. This program supports conservation efforts and ensures the sustainable use of water resources, promoting the economic and social well-being of Montana's citizens.

The legislature has appropriated $300,000 to the Renewable Resource Grant and Loan (RRGL) Program to provide emergency funding for projects that, due to their emergency nature, cannot wait for legislative approval. Grants are available for emergency projects that pose an immediate threat to the beneficial management of a renewable resource and, if delayed, will cause substantial damage or legal liability. All reasonable funding sources must be investigated before an emergency grant will be awarded. Emergency grants are limited to $30,000 per project. Grant assistance is limited to only serious emergencies that meet program requirements.
Purpose
To promote the conservation, development, and beneficial use of Montana’s water resources to secure maximum economic and social prosperity for its citizens.
The emergency grant program supports projects which pose an immediate threat to the beneficial management of a renewable resource and may not be made because of the gross negligence or lack of proper maintenance of the state, local, tribal government, or sponsored applicant.
Eligible Projects
The emergency grants to government entities are available for any water-related project that meets the purpose of the Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program.
Criteria:Project is economically feasible.
Project addresses an immediate threat to the beneficial management of a renewable resource.
If the project is delayed, will cause substantial damage or legal liability to the applicant.
The emergency is not a result of gross negligence of the applicant.
The emergency is not a result of lack of or delay of maintenance.
The applicant demonstrates financial need.
Project expenses incur within the current biennium.Example Projects:Irrigation
Irrigation structure/diversion and headgate repairs after floodingCanal bank failuresWater and Sewer InfrastructureFrozen line breaks, ice damage, lightning strike on electrical or SCADA system, rocks disabling lifts stations, damage from unintended consequences.Water intake structures and sewer lagoons/dike repairs after flooding.Dams – Municipal and Irrigation StorageOperating and guard gate repairs following an earthquake.Eligible Expenses:DNRC grants reimburse eligible project costs:Contracted technical or engineering services.
Contracted construction services.
Equipment or materials.
Funding
Financial Need: Low - Moderate - $10,000Financial Need: Moderate - High - $30,000
No match is required for emergency grant applications.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include any division of state government, tribal government, or other county, city, or local political subdivision MCA 85-1-605. These governmental entities have included:cities, conservation districts, irrigation districts, school districts and universities,regional water authority,

Ineligibility

Private or non-profit entities are not eligible for funding but may partner with a local government to submit an application if the project aligns with the sponsor’s organization.Ineligible Projects:Infrastructure failures resulting from a lack of routine maintenance. Improper operation of infrastructure systems that result in damage or failure.Ineligible Expenses:Grant administration costs. Program Costs aka indirect costs: "Program costs" means non-reimbursable costs not directly related to the project. Program costs include but are not limited to: office rent that will be incurred whether or not the project is implemented; salaries of existing fully funded staff positions unless the work-hours associated with the project are accounted for; or any other costs that pay for ongoing or general services of the applicant. For example: rent, utilities, licenses, reoccurring/regular meetings/newsletters (unrelated to planning or specific capacity development), staff time (unrelated to planning or specific capacity development), ongoing cost deemed necessary to continue business (operations).Political lobbying or litigationLand or property acquisitionFood or beveragesActivities that limit lawful access to property (see MCA 85-1-602 (4))