SCCDC asks county for support of recreation funding opportunities

In 2019, Thompson Falls was chosen as one of 10 communities across the United States to partner in the EPA’s inaugural round of their Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) planning assistance program. The 10 communities were chosen out of 170 applicants who applied. Thompson Falls will be the only town in Montana to receive the grant. The city will develop marketing strategies, partnerships and wayfinding signage to attract visitors and promote local amenities and public lands for both visitors and residents, the EPA’s website states.

Last Thursday, Ray Brown, Executive Director of Sanders County Community Development Corporation (SCCDC), addressed the Sanders County Commissioners at a public meeting, asking for the support needed to accept the RERC funding. Stipulations to receive the assistance requires a separate entity, as SCCDC cannot receive the funding on their own behalf. Brown walked through the RERC community guide with the commissioners, outlining a Community Action Plan for Thompson Falls. The plan is part of the initial steps to move forward with receiving the grant. “If we really want to do this, and do this right, we need someone coordinating the efforts,” Brown stated.

Brown, along with a supporting cast that consists of Thompson Falls Main Street representatives, the Trails Committee, local business owners and numerous other organizations, narrowed the needs of Thompson Falls down to three major goals.

“There’s a lot of leg work going into getting this done,” Brown said. “SCCDC doesn’t have the capacity to lead, we need someone else there.” The three major goals include creating wayfinding signage, identifying the need for infrastructure among recreation assets and downtown, and identifying partners, resources and opportunities to promote regional assets.

While Thompson Falls is considered an opportunity zone, Brown says the project would create a ripple effect, as the creation of jobs from the RERC funding will also create recreation opportunities. As Brown asked that Sanders County be the supporting applicant for the grant, he did note the county would not be required to match any kind of funding for the project. Brown says between now and March he will be looking at all the organizations in the county to find opportunities for matching funds, as the funding is based upon a linear scoring plan, and any proposed project leveraged with matching funds will be received better. “This is not designed to be a huge ask,” Brown stated. SCCDC is looking to cooperating organizations to match, so the initial asking number is minimalized. “$20,000 is the magic number,” Brown said.

Concerns on the commissioners’ end were addressed in regard to being asked to sponsor the grant. “I need to gauge the feel of where you are at and address any concerns you may have,” Brown said to the board. Concerns regarding who the official applicant would be was voiced, as the commissioners questioned if the sponsor would be Thompson Falls versus county wide, as cities in the county can’t and don’t always contribute financially. Commissioner Carol Brooker suggested to find matching funds from non-profits that already exist and are doing similar work. “Look there first,” Brooker said. “There are so many groups out there trying to do the same thing.” The commissioners are supportive of being the applicant sponsor, while their concerns are addressed as the project continues.

Brown said he is also trying to find an Outdoor Recreation Coordinator to help coordinate the group as the project moves forward. “It’s becoming clear that people are starting to come here,” Brown said. “We need to figure out a way to have a place for them to go, and directions to get them there.”