MT HB12

Appropriates $5,918,092 from the historic preservation grant program account to the Department of Commerce for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025

Authorizes grants for 28 historic preservation projects across Montana, including museums, courthouses, schools, theaters, and historic buildings, with individual grants ranging from $24,600 to $350,000

Requires grant recipients to document matching funds, have an approved project management plan, comply with auditing requirements, and execute a grant agreement with the Department of Commerce by September 30, 2026

Recipients must enter into a binding construction contract by September 30 of the even-numbered year before the next legislative session or forfeit funding, with limited extensions available for fire/casualty damage or inability to find qualified contractors

Amends Chapter 710, Laws of 2023 to change the grant recipient for the Montana Club project from Original Montana Club Cooperative Association to Rathskeller, LLC