Fallon County approves up-to-$7,500 match if museum wins $75,000 tourism grant

Fallon County commissioners voted to approve a conditional county match of up to $7,500 to support the Fallon County Museum’s application to the Montana Department of Commerce’s Tourism Asset Grant (TAG) program.

The museum’s representative (Speaker 4) told the commission the project — a proposed 8-by-8 virtual-reality “Dino Discovery Hub” — has an estimated cost of $60,000 to $65,000 for the installation and that the county’s 10 percent match would be reimbursed after the state award. “What I have there is just something that says we'll provide the grama match up to $7,500, which would be 10% if we get the full $75,000 match,” the presenter said.

Commission discussion focused on budgeted museum funds, timing and contingency planning. One commissioner asked whether the county’s $7,500 match was already budgeted; staff responded that the museum had included $10,000 in the budget as a contingency and that the county’s portion would be a reimbursement if the state issued the grant.

Speaker 9 moved the motion to approve the $7,500 maximum match contingent on receipt of the TAG award; Speaker 3 seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote.

The presenter said the TAG application deadline was April 2 and that the state expected to announce awards within roughly 14 business days, so the museum and county expected a quick decision. The county’s obligation is limited to the written match commitment and would be used only if the museum receives the full grant and follows the state’s reimbursement procedures.

Next steps: museum staff said they would submit the TAG application by the deadline and, if awarded, seek reimbursement and finalize any county paperwork needed to effect the match.