Graymont Grant Received For Fairground Improvements
Author: Eliza McLaughlin - Staff Reporter
Graymont Grant Received For Fairground Improvements Eliza McLaughlin - Staff Reporter Broadwater County’s fairgrounds will receive some improvements after the county fair board received a $28,200 grant from the Graymont Carbon Reduction Fund.
Allison Kosto, the MSU extension agent at the MSU Extension Office in Broadwater County, told MT 43 News that the fair board would receive the funds in two installments over the next two years.
Fair board members announced in a Graymont press release that the money would be used to upgrade the lighting in the 4-H building, the Commercial Building and the Roping Barn to LEDs, which are brighter and more energy efficient. The 4-H building will receive a little extra attention with improvements to its furnace and ceiling units.
“The funds from this Graymont Carbon Reduction Fund grant are allowing us [the fair board] to improve our energy efficiency for our community,” read the press release. “These upgrades will hold a positive impact on our community, making the building more efficient, comfortable and inviting to the public.
Paul Liner, Graymont Indian Creek Plant Manager, told MT 43 News that 13 grant applications were received, but the fair board’s immediately stuck out.
“When this fund was announced, I immediately thought the fairgrounds would be a great candidate to update utilities and have an impact that would benefit many people in Broadwater County,” Liner said in the press release. “I know the selection committee had a difficult job deciding the recipients, but I think they made a great choice.”
This grant program — in its inaugural year — was intended to promote and assist projects that benefit the community and reduce carbon footprints.
The upgrades to the fairgrounds, according to a fair board statement, will not only reduce their carbon footprint but also their utility costs. This will be of benefit to the board’s “small budget.”
John Rauser, an employee of Graymont and a member of the Broadwater County Fair Board, said in the press release that he was proud to be associated with both organizations. He too thought this project was deserving of the funds since the fairgrounds are used “anywhere from two to five times per week.”
Broadwater County Commissioner Lindsey Richtmyer shared this sentiment in the press release and added that the projects will better the fairground experience: “The renovations provide an improved experience for current users of the fairgrounds as well as encourage new attendance and use.”
Jessica Erickson, County Extension Assistant, was unavailable for comment before MT 43 News' press deadline.
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PhotoCredit: Graymont
Image 1 Caption: From left to right: Tayla Snapp, Lisa Larson, John Rauser, Paul Liner, Steve Bugni, Jessica Erickson and Karen Noyes
