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.
Emergency Loan Program
DNRC has the authority to provide up to $10 million in emergency loan financing each biennium. The amount of each loan is limited by the applicant's bonded debt capacity. The financial guidelines and security requirements normally required for the issuance of general obligation or revenue bonds apply. Interest rates vary with the coal severance bond rate and may be adjusted by the legislature. The term of the loan is also variable, but typically is limited to 20 years.
Loan financing will require the processes and time constraints normally associated with the incurrence of bonded indebtedness by a governmental entity. Funding is specified in Montana Code Annotated 85-1-605
Emergency Grant Program
Grant assistance is limited to only serious emergencies that meet program requirements. The emergency must pose an immediate threat to the beneficial management of a renewable resource, and all reasonable funding sources investigated before an emergency grant will be awarded.
DNRC will award grants or loans for an emergency project that, if delayed until legislative approval can be obtained, will cause substantial damages or legal liability to the entity seeking assistance.
Typical types of projects have included:
- dike failures,
- emergency dam repairs, and
- emergency repairs to municipal drinking water and wastewater systems.
Emergency grants and loans are available to:
- counties,
- incorporated cities and towns,
- conservation districts,
- irrigation districts, and
- water and sewer districts.
Application Instructions
To initiate a request for emergency grant or loan assistance, contact the Emergency Grant Program staff. A detailed description of the problem, the proposed solution, and any financial information, including the estimated cost of the project and proposed funding sources, will be required to expedite the application process.
Emergency grants are limited to $30,000 per project. Limited funding is available for emergency grants from DNRC each biennium.
Apply for an Emergency Grant online at grants.dnrc.mt.gov
Apply for an Emergency Loan: Uniform Application
Following initial notification, a DNRC engineer will contact you and arrange for a site investigation. A determination will be made by the DNRC Director's Office within a matter of days, and a grant or loan agreement will be executed accordingly. Grant funding is available almost immediately, usually 45 to 60 days assuming that adequate rates and charges are already in effect.
Other Emergency funding options are available to meet your project needs. Contact DNRC RRGL program or the program manager for additional resources.
