Reclamation and Development Grants Program (RDGP) Project Grants

The Reclamation and Development Grants Program (RDGP) Project Grants, administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), provide state-funded financial assistance for construction, design, and sampling activities that restore natural resources or address urgent environmental needs. The grants support two primary project categories: mineral development reclamation and crucial state need. These grants are part of Montana’s broader strategy to mitigate environmental damage and enhance resource sustainability throughout the state. Reclamation projects focus on mitigating the adverse impacts of mineral development. Eligible projects include the reclamation of land, water, or other resources damaged by mining; mitigation of public resource harm; technical assistance and research promoting environmentally compatible mineral processing; hazardous waste site remediation; and environmental assessments related to mineral extraction. These efforts are designed to address legacy issues from non-renewable resource extraction that continue to affect Montana communities and ecosystems. Crucial state need projects include efforts to prevent or eliminate significant damage to natural resources or to capture extraordinary public benefits at risk of being lost. These projects must demonstrate statewide or regional importance. Categories include drought mitigation, high hazard dam mitigation, and other environmental priorities backed by existing watershed or drought management plans or supported by state agency endorsements. These initiatives are required to show clear urgency and alignment with public benefit outcomes. Applicants must be cities, counties, special districts, tribal governments in Montana, or state government divisions including departments, boards, agencies, and commissions. Projects must be cost-effective, technically and financially feasible, and compliant with environmental regulations. Proposed work cannot relieve legally responsible parties or include work at active permitted sites. DNRC considers technical merit, environmental benefit, and financial need in its evaluation. Funding typically caps at $300,000 per project; however, requests of up to $500,000 may be approved when the project demonstrates multiple natural resource benefits, urgency, and financial constraints preventing completion through other funding sources. Not all approved projects will receive funding, as disbursement depends on legislative appropriation and funding availability. The RDGP Project Grants operate on a biennial cycle aligned with the Montana legislative session. While applications are not currently open, the next cycle will begin in early 2026. DNRC will review, score, and forward top applications to the Governor’s Office, which will submit final recommendations to the legislature. Approved projects are prioritized by the legislature and funded as revenues allow.

Provide strong evidence of public benefit and natural resource impact; highlight project urgency; demonstrate cost-effectiveness and feasibility; link to drought or environmental plans if applicable.