Malta Opportunities Inc. receives $320,000

Malta Opportunities Inc. (MOI) is on the verge of starting a total remodel that can help better the clients' workplace as well as keep the building up to code.

Part of making a renovation a reality is securing enough funds to pay for the $600,000 project.

A few weeks ago, MOI made a giant stride towards their goal by securing at $320,000 grant.

"The first part of two parts of the money that we need to fund the remodel came through," MOI Director Dina Meneely said. "And this was through the Community Block Grant (CDBG). These are Federal funds that are allocated at the state level."

Other Towns and Counties that received money through the CDBG this month included Lewis and Clark County, Beaverhead County, and Helena for various projects.

"We were in competition with several other communities and other worthwhile projects," Meneely said. "And MOI was one that they funded."

The second part of securing money will be contingent on MOI receiving a second Community Development Block Grant. For input regarding the possible grant for MOI, local citizens are being encouraged to attend a Public Hearing on December 21, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the Malta Opportunities Day Activity Center, 11 South 3rd Street East.

"This second grant would secure all of the funding for the building remodel," Meneely said.

The hearing is necessary for the application process and will allow public input regarding the way the grant can be used to improve the MOI building.

The project kicked off earlier this year, around February and has even been on the agenda during City Council Meetings.

The remodel will include expanding MOI's thrift shop and improving other areas of the building inside and out.

"The thrift shop will come over the west side of the building," Meneely said. "The offices will be towards the east side. What we will be able to do with this central space is expand where we have the clients' activity center. There will be more space for them to be able to engage in activities that help them build and live productive and inclusive lives."

In an earlier edition of the PCN, Eryn Nissen, of Bear Paw Development Corporation, said that plans call for the building to be modified to increase the functionality of the space and allow the MOI Thrift Store better visibility and access for customers.

"They are also hoping to make it an open concept between the activity space and the dining area," Nissen said. "The rendering looks fantastic."

For more information regarding the Public Hearing scheduled for Thursday, December 21, please check out the event's Public notice on page 3B in this week's PCN.