One of the most pressing issues facing the growth of Sanders County, and in fact most of western Montana, is the conundrum of affordable housing.

Many towns are having difficulty keeping low-income workers and general employees from local businesses because local housing is difficult to find, and what can be found is often unaffordable. This widespread problem is stifling economic growth and asphyxiating small communities.

Another demographic having issues, mentioned by Plains Mayor Dan Rowan, are elderly citizens. When downsizing, or after needing assisted living, these community members must move away to find these types of housing, often as far as Missoula. After County Commissioners and public organizations met, it was determined that some action must be taken.

The first step of action is to complete a county-wide survey that would attempt to understand the true nature of these issues, where assistance would be most needed and the affordability of the perspective project. The estimated cost of such a project could be around $120,000 when added to the price of the survey.

A local non-profit organization, Lake County Community Development Corporation (LCCDC) committed to assisting communities grow in such a fashion, are eligible for a federal grant equal to a 1:1 match of funds. Meaning that if the total cost is $120,000, then the federal government’s USDA Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) grant would match $60,000 to the $60,000 that the local communities would have to raise.

The LCCDC has also committed to contribute $15,000, which would drop the local match required by the county to $45,000.

On top of the many financial issues facing the Town of Plains, and other local communities, this issue lies at the forefront, and the question of funds available in the budget for such a survey are in question. The incorporated town of Plains would have to contribute $5,000 to be considered in this perspective survey.