Emergency Grant Program - Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Emergency Grant Program supports Montana governmental entities with urgent water-resource repairs to address immediate threats, prevent substantial damage, and advance beneficial resource management.
Funder: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Due Dates: Rolling until funds are expended (confirm availability with program staff)
Funding Amounts: Up to $30,000 per project; no match required under the 2025 biennium guidelines
Summary: Supports urgent Montana renewable-resource projects where delay would cause substantial damage or legal liability.
Key Information: Emergencies caused by gross negligence, inadequate maintenance, or improper infrastructure operation are ineligible.
Description
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Emergency Grant Program supports serious emergencies that pose an immediate threat to the beneficial management of a renewable resource. DNRC may provide grants or loans when waiting for legislative approval would cause substantial damage or expose the applicant to legal liability. The program promotes the conservation, development, and beneficial use of Montana’s water resources, directing assistance toward problems requiring prompt action rather than work that can be deferred.
Supported work includes dike failures, emergency dam repairs, and emergency repairs to municipal drinking water and wastewater systems. Examples include flood-damaged irrigation structures, canal bank failures, frozen water-line breaks, damaged water intakes and sewer lagoons, and dam gate repairs following an earthquake. Urgency, financial need, and the consequences of delay are central to program fit.
