HELENA, Mont.—The Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC) has awarded approximately $2 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support two green stormwater infrastructure projects in western Montana. Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is a nature-based solution to manage stormwater pollution by mimicking natural landscapes to allow stormwater to soak into the ground and be filtered. Projects awarded through WMCC’s Stormwater and Septic Leachate Toxics Reduction Grant Program are designed to mitigate stormwater pollution, reduce runoff and provide ample opportunities for community engagement.
“We’re thrilled to support innovative green stormwater infrastructure projects in Montana,” emphasized WMCC Executive Director Casey Lewis. “These showcase projects exemplify design excellence, water quality protection, education and community engagement.”
WMCC is excited to announce the following awardees:
City of Missoula – Missoula Public Library Living Roof
Awarded $1,000,000
The Missoula Public Library will transform 13,000 square feet of publicly accessible and visible rooftop in the heart of Missoula into a vibrant living roof, designed to reduce stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, cool the building and lower energy use, all while demonstrating the power of nature-based solutions. This highly visible installation will promote biodiversity and pollinator habitat and engage over 500,000 annual library visitors through interpretive signage, educational workshops, and programming aligned with K–12 science and sustainability curricula. Volunteers will participate in citizen science efforts as well as planting and seasonal maintenance. The Living Roof will serve as a platform for local artists, naturalists, and educators to contribute content and lead programming, amplifying the project’s reach and impact across Western Montana.
City and County of Butte-Silver Bow – Father Sheehan Park Green Stormwater Infrastructure Revitalization Project
Awarded $1,090,000
The Butte-Silver Bow Father Sheehan Park (FSP) Green Stormwater Infrastructure Revitalization Project will address inadequate stormwater management at one of Butte’s most historic and well-loved parks. The primary goal is to develop, design and begin implementation of an economically and environmentally sustainable and efficient green stormwater infrastructure complex. This project will build on existing community stormwater partner education and improve the safety and accessibility of Father Sheehan Park and the adjacent urban trail system, while addressing longstanding stormwater management deficiencies. The community will not only protect its recreational assets but also contribute to a healthier, more resilient urban environment for future generations.
WMCC is administratively attached to The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). Funding for this grant comes from a larger grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. WMCC will share updates on the progress of these innovative projects.