Gov. Gianforte Spotlights Innovation, Investments in Montana’s Rural Communities

Continues 56 County Tour in Big Horn, Rosebud, Treasure, and Prairie counties

Governor's Office

COLSTRIP, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte this week continued his 56 County Tour, spotlighting innovations and investments in Montana's rural communities in Big Horn, Rosebud, Treasure, and Prairie counties.

"Across Montana, rural communities are welcoming innovation and new investments to preserve the culture and history of our past while growing our economy," Gov. Gianforte said. "Thanks to the efforts of local leaders and community partners, our cities are securing a stronger future for the next generation of Montana families."

In Big Horn County, Gov. Gianforte met with local leaders at the historic Hardin Train Depot to hear about community investments to renovate the building and create a visitor center. In 2025, the Montana Department of Commerce awarded the City of Hardin with a five-year, $2.75 million Pilot Tourism Grant to support updates to the depot that will serve as a welcome center for visitors, connecting travelers with local businesses, attractions, and cultural sites.

Meeting with the mayor and city employees, the governor heard about the project and recent growth in the rural community, like the creation of several new businesses and other community development grants.

"This center creates a nice focus for people for our area. There are some very unique things in our area and it's nice to be able to pinpoint certain things and put together information for those visiting," said Hardin Mayor Riley Ramsey.

Encouraging tourism in Montana's rural communities is a top priority for the governor and the Montana Department of Commerce. In May 2025, the department unveiled a new Montana state brand for the first time in 16 years for tourism marketing, business attraction, international trade and export, the Made in Montana program and other economic development activities across the state. Last year, Commerce awarded more than $10 million in tourism-related grants to entities across the Treasure State.

In Rosebud County, the governor toured the Business Innovation Center in Colstrip to recognize the regional facility providing co-working, prototyping, and cross-sector collaboration to entrepreneurs in eastern Montana.

"Colstrip is changing, but it's not closing. This facility has helped bring opportunity to Montanans in and around southeast Montana. Having a place where people can collaborate and work together to innovate is something we haven't seen in Colstrip before," said Southeast Montana Development Council Executive Director Jim Atchison.

Last week, Governor Gianforte announced that Montana was ranked as the 12th best state to start a business in 2026. Last year, the governor announced Montana was ranked the best state for business startups according to Entrepreneur Media.

During his visit to Treasure County, the governor visited the new firehall in Hysham. Supported by a $100,000 Montana Department of Commerce grant through the Montana Coal Board, the project transformed a vacant building into a modern firehall, strengthening emergency response capabilities and improving public safety in the community.

"Opening this fire hall is critical to improving emergency response in our community," said Treasure County Commissioner Ruth Baker. "I'm proud to see this project receive the attention it deserves and look forward to seeing the community benefit from this project."

Last year, Gov. Gianforte signed into law House Bill 128 and House Bill 129 sponsored by Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, to create an income tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and protect them from termination at work.

In Prairie County, the governor visited with representatives of the Badlands to Badlands (B2B) Trail System in Terry to hear about the trail system project in eastern Montana. The project received a Trail Stewardship Program grant from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to expand access to outdoor recreation and increase tourism to the area.

Meeting with B2B board members and local leaders, Gov. Gianforte heard about efforts to maintain the pavilion and update trail signage to encourage community use.

"These investments and community partnerships add vibrancy to our rural community and encourage more visitors to come, stay, and enjoy our restaurants, shops, and local accommodations," said B2B Board Member and Terry hotel owner Russell Schwartz.

Increasing public access to public lands and supporting recreational opportunities for Montanans is a top priority for the governor. Since taking office, FWP, under Gov. Gianforte's leadership, has unlocked over 245,000 acres of public land.

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