Columbia Falls has been awarded a $10 million federal grant through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program, initially supported by Senator Jon Tester in 2022. The city matched the grant with $500,000 and plans to use the funds to rebuild key streets, including 13th Street West, Fourth Avenue West, and Seventh Street West, along with new sidewalks, walking paths, water lines, and curb and gutter. Construction is expected to begin in March, with additional improvements planned for roads serving Nucleus Avenue and a sidewalk project on Railroad Street slated for 2026.

In other city updates, Columbia Falls’ finance director Jessica Rice has resigned after about a year in the role. The city council also honored outgoing members Jenny Lovering and Mike Shepard for their long service, presenting them with plaques of appreciation.