USDA Invests in Future of Biofuel Industry in Beaverhead County

(Bozeman, Mont., April 7, 2026) - Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Montana State Director Bill Warden announced the agency is investing in the future of Montana's biofuel industry through Beaverhead Tourism Council in Dillon, Montana.

"Montana's forests are an essential part of our economic fabric, driving tourism, recreation, energy development, and timber production," said Warden. "Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA is leaning in to support the rural people and places that utilize this resource to create jobs and build stronger economies."

USDA Rural Development is awarding a $75,000 grant under its Rural Business Development Grant Program (RBDG) for Beaverhead Tourism Council to develop Montana's local forestry sector and area companies involved in transportation, sawmill, and biofuel manufacturing. The technical assistance and resulting industry report from this project will support new and existing businesses and economic development throughout Beaverhead County communities.

The purpose of USDA's RBDG program is to promote economic development and job creation projects. Applications compete in two separate categories, business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants, for use in funding various business and community projects that serve rural areas. There is no maximum grant amount; however, smaller requests are given higher priority. Most common use of funds in Montana include training and technical assistance, such as project planning, business counseling and training, market research, feasibility studies, professional or/technical reports, or producer service improvements.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity and transportation infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov .

###