CSKT Tribal program fix-ups possible with stimulus funding

By Lailani Upham

The three bay CSKT Forestry greenhouse in Pablo will have another bay added to offer more products to customers and create jobs. The greenhouse staff is 100 percent tribal members according to CSKT Forest Development Program Manager, Jean Matt. (Lailani Upham photo)

The application was submitted on the July 31 deadline and is expected to hear word from the State in the next two weeks if funding was approved according to CSKT Policy Analyst Teresa Wall-McDonald.

The proposed project identified as the Tribal Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency Reinvestment Project is estimated to cost $617,937 in efforts to improve Tribal government infrastructure.

Not quite an alien landscape: In the early 80’s the CSKT Forestry building had installed spray roof insulation that currently makes it impossible to repair the several leaks throughout the building. Recently the Forestry building suffered a partial collapse on the rear of the building. (Lailani Upham photo)

The funding comes from House Bill 645 appropriated $870-million of federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money allocated to the State of Montana. Each tribe in Montana has been allocated $600,000 of the stimulus funds, according to Wall-McDonald.

In 1999, the Montana Legislature passed House Bill 670, which established the STEDC. This commission’s task is to conduct an in-depth assessment of the economic needs and priorities of each reservation then provide recommendations for boosting economic development.

Polson CSKT Senior Citizen center gravel parking lot kicks up dust and is difficult for elders with wheelchairs and walkers to get around. The project will improve the lot for easier access into the building. (Lailani Upham photo)

The projects for CSKT Tribes include: expansion on the Pablo Forestry greenhouse, asbestos removal at the Natural Resource Department building, roof repairs at the Nkwusm Language Immersion School and the Ronan Forestry building and paving the parking lot at the Polson Indian Senior Center.

The expansion of the existing Forestry greenhouse will add one more bay to the greenhouse in efforts to meet customer demand for more native restoration plants. This is a 2-year project and will retain three jobs and add-on four additional positions year round according to CSKT Forest Development Program Manager, Jean Matt.

The removal phase is estimated to create two jobs.

CSKT Natural Resource Department building located on Main Street in Polson is due to have asbestos removed during the Tribal Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency Reinvestment Project. The asbestos is sealed under paint and tiles and is not currently hazardous as long as it is not disturbed according to CSKT Facilities Manager Sam Barber. (Lailani Upham photo)

The pavement for the Senior Citizen parking lot will improve safety for the elderly that need to get through the lot in wheelchairs and walkers and alleviate the dust during meals and wakes.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided funding for “shovel-ready” projects to help jump-start the economy.