The U.S. Department of Commerce awarded Montana Public Radio three federal grants to expand coverage to Libby and Polson and improve service in the north Flathead area, officials announced last week.

The University of Montana-based station also received funds to upgrade its satellite distribution equipment and main recording studio in Missoula. The projects will happen in phases over the next 18 to 24 months.

The station must raise nearly $200,000 in matching funds, said MTPR general manager William Marcus.

“We know there is support for this expansion and we look forward to bringing MTPR to unserved or underserved parts of Montana,” he said.

Marcus said the station was successful in the highly competitive grants, thanks in part to support letters from all three members of Montana’s congressional delegation.

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus said he was proud to support the grant. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester underscored the importance of bringing Montana Public Radio to Libby, mentioning past coverage of the W.R. Grace trial.

“Unfortunately, MTPR’s coverage was not available to the citizens of Libby,” Tester said. “The people of Libby deserve access to this (kind of) coverage.”

U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg said it is important for rural Montanans to have the same access to public radio and news as residents in more populated states.

Montana Public Radio is a public service of The University of Montana and broadcasts both NPR and local programming.