BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

OF THE STATE OF MONTANA

 

In the matter of the adoption of NEW RULE I pertaining to the administration of the Economic Impact and Destination Event Grant Program

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NOTICE OF ADOPTION

 

TO: All Concerned Persons

 

           1. On January 26, 2024, the Department of Commerce published MAR Notice No. 8-99-209 pertaining to the public hearing on the proposed adoption of the above-stated rule at page 99 of the 2024 Montana Administrative Register, Issue Number 2.

 

2.  The department has adopted NEW RULE I (8.99.1301) as proposed.

 

3. The department has thoroughly considered the comments and testimony received. A summary of the comments received, and the department's responses are as follows:

 

Comment 1: A commenter requested that non-profits and trade associations be considered eligible members for the grant program.

 

Response 1: There are multiple funding opportunities that may be provided through the Tourism Grant Program, and eligibility is determined within the guidelines of each funding opportunity.  This comment was presented in the hearing for the Economic Impact and Destination Event Grant Program and a primary, registered non-profit 501(c) organization is an eligible entity to apply for an event grant.

 

Comment 2:  A commenter requested that a match not be required for grants to smaller communities and that grant funds are not dispersed on a reimbursement basis.

 

Response 2: Because the event award is limited to $25,000 for defined allowed expenses, no match is required for this funding opportunity.  Most of the permissible expenses will be incurred close to or at the time of the event, and event deliverables must be submitted to the department within 30 days.  Grantees who submit deliverables within the contractual term should not incur large out-of-pocket expenses before grant funds are distributed.

 

 

/s/ John Semmens                                       /s/ Mandy Rambo                                        

John Semmens                                            Mandy Rambo

Rule Reviewer                                              Deputy Director

                                                                     Department of Commerce

 

Certified to the Secretary of State February 27, 2024.