Ronan accepted into Main Street program
Taylor Davison
City council members react to the news that Ronan will be able to receive more consistent funding for small revitalization projects through the Montana Main Street program.
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RONAN — The Ronan City Council announced during their Feb. 9 meeting that Ronan has been accepted into the Montana Department of Commerce (MDC) Montana Main Street program.
Started in 2005, the Montana Main Street program, according to its website, offers technical assistance and expertise to member communities and awards competitive grant funding to communities actively working on downtown revitalization, economic development, and historic preservation. It presently serves thirty-four communities throughout the state.
Community applications are considered based on a set of criteria demonstrating a collaborative local effort, and success in the implementation of previous downtown projects. These efforts indicate to the department that a community is in a positive position to implement further revitalization.
The City of Ronan submitted its application in 2021, citing notable projects such as the Co-op Brewery, restoration of a mechanic’s shop, and a recently added downtown mural to highlight their efforts. The MDC agreed that Ronan is on the right track for revitalization.
Ronan Revitalization Committee Chair Whitney Liegakos explained that Ronan has been accepted at the affiliate level. This means that there will be a certain monetary match required by the town when receiving grants for projects, approximately a one to five ratio, but still a consistent funding path in Ronan’s efforts to revitalize Main Street.
The funds awarded to Ronan through this program will be put toward projects such as signage and sidewalk improvements, replacing or trimming trees, commissioning more murals, and installing bike racks along Main Street.
“It’s things that we’ve been doing, but with some funding behind it now,” said Liegakos. “I think it’ll be a huge opportunity for us.”
Future revitalization projects for Ronan will be discussed at a later city council meeting.
