CTAC's Sustainability Fund Changes to Yearly Grant Cycle, Hears Community Updates

At the April 9th meeting of the Community Transition Advisory Committee (CTAC), a range of community organizations and public entities covered topics including Whitehall Sustainability funding opportunities through Barrick’s Golden Sunlight Mine (GSM), community programming, and upcoming events.

Jim Loomis of Barrick Golden Sunlight reported on recent operations, including over 1,200 days without lost-time incidents.

Loomis also discussed the current projects presented to the CTAC board for the Whitehall Sustainability funds provided by GSM. In March, Sean Wisner of the Wisner Family Foundation provided information on the proposed pickleball courts, which would become Whitehall town property. John Patritti and Tim O’Donnell also provided information in March on the requested funds for the rodeo grounds grandstands.

Loomis explained that while GSM allocates approximately $100,000 yearly for local “legacy” projects, funds have been backlogged; there are currently $300,000 in funding requests, though some of the $100,000 allocated in 2026 is needed to fulfill 2025-approved requests.

Loomis suggested a deadline of April 30 for future funding nominations, instead of the rolling funding cycle the process currently uses. Additional presentations from the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation and an EMS-related building project are expected at a future meeting.

Jefferson Local Development Corporation (JLDC): JLDC’s executive director, Samantha Yearry, reported on the interest in a potential development for the GSM business park, as well as reported on the statewide economic development conference she recently attended. When asked about the Department of War and Department of Commerce contracts, and the rumors swirling around them, Yearry said she could not comment as the information had not been made publicly available; however, a presentation related to that project was scheduled for the following day.

Western Legacy Center (WLC):

Pamela Polachi of WLC reported increased activity and planning for several upcoming events, including a May 7-9 private collection display of historic musical instruments and the August Lost Hawk Rendezvous, which will be relocated into town instead of the Whitehall rodeo grounds in an effort to bring more visitors into town to support local businesses.

Town of Whitehall: Public Works director Kory Klapan reported on the town’s water treatment plant and water tank replacement project near the dump, which is reportedly ahead of schedule. Efforts are underway to secure additional funding for a waterline extension project and the next phase of improvements to a sewer lift station.

Whitehall Schools: Jason Salvagni noted that the school year would end in approximately 40 school days, with WHS graduation on May 24th and eighth-grade promotion on May 27th. Summer school will be held this year as well. Summer maintenance projects will include parking lot restriping and gym floor refinishing. Kelley Seccomb will be the new concessions provider during home activities, and an ATM has been installed in the gym lobby to improve access to cash during events.

Whitehall Chamber of Commerce: Executive director Chiara Schober shared updates from the Southwest Montana Tourism region, noting that operations in Virginia City are expected to continue without noticeable impact to visitors despite recent changes. Schober also noted that the Chamber is seeking assistance with taxes and is looking for volunteers to serve on the Main Street - Whitehall board.

Gold Junction Presents (GJP): Liz Pullman reported on the successful first-ever Gold Junction Presents Children’s Theatre at Cardwell School, which involved all of the students in an acting or backstage capacity to present The Quest For Pixie Dust.

Rehabilitation and remodeling in the Star Theatre’s upstairs rooms is moving along nicely and now includes a long-term tenant renting the one permanent office space.

GJP will begin its STAR TALKS speaker series on Tuesday, April 21st at 6 PM at the Star Theatre with Natalie Paulbeck, Moriah Firebaugh, and Luke Reyes’ presentation addressing human trafficking and youth grooming.

Jefferson River Watershed Council (JRWC): JRWC’s Tom Harrington reported expansion of its watershed planning efforts to include the Boulder Valley area. An upcoming public meeting on drought conditions is scheduled for May 12, with concerns noted about low snowpack and reduced water levels.

The next meeting of the CTAC is scheduled for Thursday, May 14th, at 8 AM at the Whitetail Center conference room. (Whitehall Ledger - ELIZABETH PULLMAN)