Gov. Gianforte Recognizes Investments in Rural Central Montana Communities

Continues 56 County Tour in Petroleum, Musselshell, Golden Valley, Wheatland, and Meagher counties

Governor's Office

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today continued his 56 County Tour in Petroleum, Musselshell, Golden Valley, Wheatland, and Meagher counties to meet with producers, business owners, and local officials investing in their communities.

"Across the state, Montanans are investing in their businesses and communities to ensure rural towns remain strong for generations to come," Gov. Gianforte said. "It was great to highlight the producers, business owners, providers, and community members working hard to serve one another and preserve the Montana way of life."

Gov. Gianforte (right) on a walking tour with local officials in Roundup.

Beginning the day in Petroleum County, the governor toured the Petroleum County Courthouse, which received a Montana Historic Preservation Grant (MHPG) from the Montana Department of Commerce (Commerce) to fund the restoration and historic preservation of the courthouse. Restoration projects include replacing the roof and windows, adding an elevator and fire suppression system, and improvements to the fire escape.

"The Petroleum County Courthouse has been standing for over 100 years," said Commissioner Paul McKenna. "Access to state grants that help preserve our county's rich history is vital to ensuring this important piece of our heritage remains for generations to come."

Through the MHPG Program, Commerce awards public or private entities grants to support the preservation of Montana's historic sites, structures, societies, and museums. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $350,000 per project, with a 1-to-1 match of funding requests. Previous recipients of the grant include the Carter County Museum, the Anaconda Montana Hotel, the Yaak Community Hall, and the Billings Depot Caboose.

Traveling to Roundup, the governor toured an ongoing revitalization project on the Wier Building which is being renovated to preserve the historic structure and create new use as housing and commercial property. Commerce has awarded Musselshell County and the City of Roundup with funding to support construction costs associated with the renovations as well as for the installation of playground equipment at Central Park. After the building tour, Gov. Gianforte walked by new businesses to see new investments in the community.

"Roundup is a tight-knit community that is investing in its future," said Musselshell County Commissioner Bob Pancratz. "The Wier Building is a great example of how state and local governments can work together to help revamp Main Street with housing and commercial space."

Next, in Golden Valley County, Gov. Gianforte visited Hashknife Ranch, a sixth-generation ranch producing high-quality beef and offering equine training. The family business offers custom beef orders for its grass-fed, grain-finished, pasture raised Red Angus. Through its YouTube channel, the ranch also educates the public on the realities of agriculture through videos that showcase a modern-day ranching lifestyle.

"We are proud to be running cattle on the same land that generations before us have," said Brandon Carpenter, owner of Hashknife Ranch. "We prioritize quality over quantity for our beef, and being able to share our story with people around the world through our videos help more people understand what it takes to raise the food you eat."

In Wheatland County, the governor toured Vista Plains Health in Harlowton. Opening earlier this year, the 38,000-square-foot critical access hospital has expanded care through the Wheatland Memorial Healthcare system, providing hospital and clinic services and comprehensive medical care for patients of all ages.

"Access to healthcare in rural towns such as Harlowton is important to the longevity of our communities," said Donna Neste, director of Vista Plains Health. "Thanks to community support and investment from our partners, we are increasing access to care for Montanans in Wheatland County and the surrounding communities."

Concluding the day in Meagher County, the governor visited Twin Sisters Trading Company in White Sulphur Springs. Celebrating their tenth anniversary, Twin Sisters Trading Company prides its business model on carrying everything needed to explore central Montana, from camping and fishing gear to ammunition, clothing, and gifts.

During the governor's visit to the storefront, owner Alaina Moorison invited other local small business owners in the area to visit and share about their investments. Owners from Mudpuppies Pit Stop, The Lane Bar, and Thorson Ranch talked with Gov. Gianforte about their business growth and success.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our local communities and economy," said Alaina Moorison, owner of Twin Sisters Trading Company. "White Sulphur is continuing to grow, and Montanans are investing in this community, starting new businesses, and creating more jobs."

Since taking office, Gov. Gianforte has prioritized creating the best environment for business and more opportunities for Montanans by delivering the largest tax cuts in state history, providing tax cuts for Montanans at every income level, securing immediate and long-term property tax relief, and increasing the supply of affordable workforce housing.

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