Cardwell Campground, LLC in Cardwell, Montana, will receive $17,000 to fund engineering plans and survey work for a planned expansion, the Montana Department of Commerce announced Feb. 3 as part of a broader effort to support rural economic development across the state. The funding comes through the Opportunities in Rural Economies Planning Grant Program, which helps businesses and communities lay the groundwork for future growth through preliminary studies and technical assessments.
The campground was among 14 recipients sharing more than $500,000 in this funding cycle, with grants supporting projects ranging from warehouse expansions to park renovations. The program is administered by the Montana Department of Commerce from Helena and focuses on funding feasibility studies, architectural reviews and engineering plans that position recipients for subsequent development phases.
“Commerce’s ORE Planning Grants create good-paying jobs, promote long-term economic growth, retain and expand existing businesses and encourage workforce development for Montana residents,” Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio said in the announcement.
Understanding the role of planning grants is essential for campground operators considering expansion. Planning grants cover preliminary expenses such as engineering surveys, feasibility studies and architectural assessments. Completing a planning phase with grant support often positions businesses more competitively for subsequent funding, making Cardwell’s $17,000 award a strategic first step rather than the final investment in its expansion.
The survey and engineering work funded by this grant will establish the technical foundation necessary for the campground’s growth. Land surveys establish precise property boundaries, identify topographical features and map existing infrastructure. For campground expansions specifically, surveys reveal critical information about drainage patterns, soil composition and utility access points that directly influence site design decisions. Skipping or rushing this phase frequently leads to costly redesigns or construction delays once physical work begins.
Engineering plans for campground expansions typically address several core elements that operators should understand. Utility infrastructure planning ensures adequate water pressure, electrical capacity and sewage handling for additional sites. Many expanding campgrounds underestimate the complexity of scaling utilities, particularly in rural areas where municipal connections may be limited or nonexistent. Road and site layout engineering considers traffic flow, emergency vehicle access and compliance with accessibility requirements, while stormwater management addresses grading, drainage and environmental compliance issues that many jurisdictions now require before issuing expansion permits.
Other recipients in this funding cycle demonstrate the program’s flexibility in supporting diverse economic development needs. Crazy Creek Products, LLC in Red Lodge received $15,000 for architectural and structural engineering review for a warehouse facility expansion. Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation in Glendive was awarded $11,000 for a masterplan to renovate and upgrade Gregg Park. Great Falls Development Authority, Inc. secured $30,000 for a feasibility study examining a community impact investment fund, while Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. in Butte received multiple grants totaling $135,000. At the lower end of the funding spectrum, The Grocery Store, LLC in Scobey obtained $5,000 for a comprehensive market study to assess its business potential.
For campground owners interested in pursuing similar funding opportunities, strategic preparation should begin well before applications open. Maintaining organized financial records and demonstrating a clear business trajectory helps establish credibility with grant administrators. The ORE Planning Grant program funds both established businesses and new ventures, including startups, so operators at various stages of development may qualify.
Both private businesses and regional economic development organizations can apply directly for ORE Planning Grant funding. Private limited liability companies such as Cardwell Campground, LLC and Crazy Creek Products, LLC received funds directly in this cycle. Regional economic development entities can also provide valuable guidance for prospective applicants, helping operators align their proposals with program priorities and navigate application requirements. Campground operators should also document their potential community impact, including job creation estimates, anticipated visitor spending and support for local supply chains, as rural economic development programs typically prioritize projects demonstrating broader economic ripple effects.
Technology infrastructure planning has emerged as an increasingly important consideration for campground expansions. Engineering plans that accommodate future Wi-Fi expansion, electric vehicle charging stations or smart utility metering provide operational flexibility as guest expectations continue to evolve. Forward-thinking operators are incorporating these elements into initial plans rather than facing more expensive retrofitting costs later.
Sustainability considerations represent another area where early planning pays dividends. Solar-ready electrical infrastructure, water conservation systems and native landscaping buffers can be designed more cost-effectively when included in initial engineering plans. Proper grading and drainage infrastructure protects both the investment and the surrounding environment, addressing regulatory requirements while demonstrating environmental stewardship.
The ORE Planning Grant Program is designed to foster economic growth and development in rural areas by funding the preliminary steps that make larger projects possible. By covering feasibility studies, architectural reviews and engineering plans, the program aims to create jobs, retain existing businesses and promote long-term economic stability across Montana. For Cardwell Campground, the $17,000 investment will provide the technical groundwork necessary to move forward with physical expansion, positioning the business to serve growing demand in the outdoor hospitality sector.