Nashua Receives DoC Grant

The Montana Department of Commerce last week announced nine Montana communities will be sharing more than $132,000 in planning grants through the Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP). The town of Nashua will be receiving $12,723 of that money for a water Preliminary Engineering Report.

Nashua Clerk and Treasurer Christina Washington told the Department of Commerce, “The Town of Nashua’s infrastructure is outdated, some areas dating back to 1974. We have experienced numerous freezing meters, main lines, and issues with providing service. This TSEP grant would better the quality of service the Town can offer to our residents, by identifying and repairing our service lines.”

Washington told the Courier that Interstate Engineering is planning to complete a Preparation and Submittal, providing Nashua an idea of what they already have in place and what future improvements are needed, by December of this year. Washington cautions Nashua residents that that date is tentative and may be subject to change depending on how the economy restarts in light of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Nashua clerk was pleased with the grant, saying that currently the town does not have an accurate map of the water lines. “We have many maps, different maps, but not an accurate one,” she laughed. “Everyone leaves a different footprint. There are some strange ‘put-together’ areas.”

She is grateful to the Montana Department of Commerce for the grant, saying that it sometimes it feels as if the smaller communities, such as Nashua, get overlooked in the grand scheme of things.

The current economic uncertainty around the planning dates for Nashua’s water lines are being felt across the state. “With the uncertainty we are facing at this time, it is important that we continue with an eye to the future to support engineering planning work for critical infrastructure to improve the health and safety of Montana Communities,” Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice said in a press release. “These TSEP grants will help towns plan infrastructure projects that provide clean and safe water and improve a community’s resiliency for the next generation.”

Washington reflected that sentiment as she noted that even though it can feel as if the smaller towns are overlooked, she also sees more people moving into the community and she is glad to do what she can to improve her town.