Folk Fest Request Needs Further Study
By Justin Post, The Montana Standard, Butte
May 22–Further review is needed before Butte-Silver Bow officials take action on a $225,000 request for economic development money for the National Folk Festival in Butte.
The council of commissioners on Wednesday referred the matter to next week’s meeting for further discussion and a report from the county attorney’s office.
Council Chairman Charlie O’Leary requested a legal opinion to determine whether the work is an appropriate use of Hard Rock Mining Trust Reserve money.
“We just want to know we are on legal, solid ground as we move forward with this request,” he said. “That’s what the community wants: to know that the money is being used properly for things that are going to benefit the community for years to come.” If approved, the cash would be spent to improve infrastructure such as sidewalks and curbs and install electrical hookups in the festival grounds, said George Everett of Mainstreet Uptown Butte.
Organizing the first year of the July 11-13 event is more expensive with one-time improvements that will be used each of the next three years of the festival and for future events, he said.
Everett believes hard rock proceeds are an appropriate use of the money because the festival will create jobs and is an economic boon for Butte.
He said hard rock money has been used for other projects linked to tourism in the Mining City.
Last summer, comm-issioners approved Envision Butte’s request for $192,000 in hard rock money to complete renovations at the Berkeley Pit viewing stand.
O’Leary agreed Wednesday the projects are similar.
Commissioners are expected to discuss the issue at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on the third floor of the courthouse, 155 W. Granite.
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