Grant awarded to help Col. Falls' livability

The city of Columbia Falls and the Flathead Land Trust have received a $100,000 grant from the LOR Foundation to work collaboratively to enhance livability and build upon the strengths that makes the Columbia Falls community unique.

Columbia Falls City Manager Susan Nicosia said the city is excited to be working with the Flathead Land Trust on this project. The City Council’s long-term goals include improving recreational opportunities and potentially expanding the use of River’s Edge Park. The LOR grant funding and partnership with the Flathead Land Trust will ensure the project is successful.

The grant will help the community plan and implement a project to increase access to recreation, protect clean water and promote the quality of life in Columbia Falls, according to a press release from Paul Travis, Flathead Land Trust executive director.

The LOR Foundation selected 15 rural communities from Western Montana to Southern New Mexico to participate in the grant program. The program aims to build locally driven solutions with community collaboration and engagement.

The city of Columbia Falls and Flathead Land Trust have assembled a planning committee that includes business, nonprofit and city elected officials and staff to begin planning of a project which will enhance livability and quality of life.

The LOR Foundation partners with rural communities in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming.

For more information about the Foundation, visit http://lorfoundation.org.