Successes!

NSP Project HUD Story #1
Adam Totdahl is a recent NSP HUD success story for Pondera County. Adam recently purchased a house in Conrad through the NSP program and is very satisfied with the process. After obtaining his business degree from MSU Bozeman, Adam returned back to his hometown to work. Being a young, single man, fresh out of college, Adam wasn’t sure he had the ability, or the means to be able to buy his own house. Just starting out and paying for his school loans, Adam ended up moving back in with his parents. That was until he heard about a newly renovated house for sale through the NSP program. Adam contacted a local realtor and worked with a local bank to make the process complete. "The process was easy and I am very thankful to have found a house that I could get approved for," Adam stated. Renovations to the house included a new energy efficient furnace, washer/dryer, and refrigerator. Interior wall painting, exterior trim painting, minor repairs, and clean up are all part of the renovations as well. When asked about the condition of the house, Adam said that the new appliances and new furnace were great. The 3 bedroom home has a double car garage and mature yard. "I am planning on getting a dog in the near future now," Adam said.

NSP Project HUD Story #2
Michael Rhoads is our second NSP HUD success story for Pondera County. Michael recently purchased a house in Conrad through the NSP program and is very satisfied with the process. "Dealing with all the various government entities went real well. The process was easier than expected." Michael and his wife have lived in Conrad for 9+ years and have never owned a home before because they were not able to afford it. Now that their kids are grown, Michael is advancing in his job at ITB, and rental prices are getting higher, they thought it would be a good time to look into different housing options. That’s when Rob Cook referred them to the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. They contacted a local realtor and worked with Joan Jensen at Stockman Bank to make the dream come true. "Joan worked hard to make it all work and she smoothed out all the bumps along the way". Never did they think they could afford to buy a home, especially a brand new one. Michael stated that the condition of the house is "awesome" and that he loves it. "The yard is amazing, the lawn is really coming in…and the cabinetry is nice too". Michael and his wife said they have already recommended the NSP program to others. In conclusion, we asked Michael and his wife if they had anything else they wanted to add…this is what they had to say: "We are so happy and so relieved to be here in our new home. It seemed like a long 1 ½ months going through the process at the time, but looking back, it doesn’t seem that long – and it was well worth it!"

Safe Routes to School Program - Conrad
Together, the PRPA, Conrad School District, and the City of Conrad worked to complete a sidewalk project to put in sidewalks and handicap ramps near each of the 4 schools. This was done so that the children could safely walk to and from school without having to walk in the streets, especially during the winter when snow and ice can become an issue. It is recommended that the children use the walking path between Prairie View School and the practice football field. Walking path signs have been posted in the area for further encouragement.
*Update - The City was recently awarded a grant from the Transportation Alternatives Program (TA) to continue with our sidewalk project. We hope to be able to add more sidewalks between each of the schools in the next year.

The PRPA, Conrad School District, and City of Conrad encourage public comments on the project and any project ideas or concerns.

Pondera Senior Center

We cooperated with Pondera County in grant funding to complete the Pondera County Community Center!

MANUFACTURING SUCCESS STORY IN THE AREA:
Intercontinental Truck Body (ITB) worked with the Pondera Regional Port Authority, Pondera County, and other local and State agencies to expand its operations when ITB was awarded a Federal contract to build Flight line Tow Tractors. With the local development group and the State of Montana, ITB was able to nearly double its number of employees and increase wages and benefits. Intercontinental Truck Body operates just 11 miles out of Conrad and has found that rural location to be very satisfactory.

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM
The Pondera Regional Port Authority has a strong working relationship with State Representatives, Rob Cook and Ross Fitzgerald; as well as State Senator, Llew Jones. They all have an established relationship with the Montana Department of Commerce as well as strong commitment from the Pondera County Commissioners, City of Conrad, Town of Valier, and the Certified Regional Development Corporation-Sweetgrass Development. This relationship helps us in working with our businesses in getting the assistance they need to successfully establish in our area.