Page 10 - Flathead Beacon // 6.29.16

NEWS
Flathead County to Receive $2.5 Million in Federal Land Payments Department of Interior announced 1,900 counties will receive $451 million from the PILT program
BY BEACON STAFF
Flathead County will receive more than $2.5 million this year from the fed- eral government’s Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, the Department of Inte- rior announced on June 22.
The payment is part of more than $451 million that will be distributed to 1,900 counties in the coming months. Interior o cials said it was the largest payment in the PILT program’s history. Montana will receive $30.2 million from it.
The money goes to counties where large swaths of land is held by the federal
government and thus cannot be taxed. The money supports schools, road proj- ects and rst responders.
“Rural communities contribute sig- ni cantly to our nation’s economy, food and energy supply, and help de ne the character of our diverse and beautiful country,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “These investments often serve as a lifeline for local communities as they juggle planning and paying for basic services like public safety, hous- ing, social services and transportation.”
Other counties in Northwest Mon- tana bene ting from the PILT funds
include Lincoln County, which is getting $635,000, Sanders County, which will receive $333,584, Lake County, with $431,900, and Glacier County, which will receive $1 million.
President Barack Obama’s scal year 2017 budget proposes to return the PILT program to mandatory funding at $480 million annually, which would ensure funding stability for the program and local communities year after year.
“These investments are one of the ways the federal government can ful ll its role of being a good neighbor to local communities,” Secretary Jewell said.
“President Obama has made job cre- ation and opportunity in rural areas a top priority for his Administration and has fought for continuing the PILT pro- gram. We encourage Congress to take the required action to make sure this important program continues.”
In 2015, Montana received $27 million in PILT payments including $2.2 million for Flathead County. Flathead County has 2.44 million acres of federal land, the most in the state followed by Beaverhead County, with 2.05 million acres.
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businesses involvement,” Lovejoy said. “We’re deeply excited to the Flathead Cancer Aid Services.”
The organization aids with the nan- cial impact on cancer patients, according to Lovejoy.
“It helps patients pay their rent or their mortgage – the bills that get over- looked when cancer is in the picture,” Lovejoy said. “People don’t get cancer, families do.”
All proceeds of the fundraiser will go to the Flathead Cancer Aid Services. Tickets for Inspire Hope 2016 include dinner, one drink ticket, and access to all of the night’s entertainment.
Tickets are $50 or $100 for premier seating during N.E.D.’s concert. Tickets can be purchased through Ming Love- joy, who can be reached at 406-212-2927. Inspire Hope 2016 will be hosted at the O’Shaughnessy in White sh on July 2 at 5:30 p.m.
amanda@ atheadbeacon.com
Inspire Hope 2016 has a Lifesaving Act Band of six cancer surgeons play at Inspire Hope 2016
BY AMANDA RUBANO OF THE BEACON
N.E.D., an acclaimed rock-band of six surgeons, will play at Inspire Hope 2016, a red carpet fundraiser for the Flathead Cancer Aid Services.
“The highlight of the night will be the N.E.D.’s performance” Ming Lovejoy, event coordinator, said. “It’s one that people are greatly anticipating.”
N.E.D., or No Evidence of Disease, aims to heal not only through surgery, but also through the art of music, accord- ing to the group. One of the band’s guitar- ist, William Winter, M.D., says that there is art in medicine, the way it is in surgery; art is in caring for a cancer patient, they same way it is in music.
The band’s songs are meant to empower cancer patients and o er a com- munity of support. The band has received national acclaim by media outlets such as Forbes, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.
“The occasion will entertain and delight with the events we have in store,”
N.E.D. will be performing at Inspire Hope 406’s fundraiser for Flathead cancer aid services on July 2 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in White sh. COURTESY PHOTO
Lovejoy said. The event features a garden patio reception, an aerial show, and live music throughout the night.
“We aim to create unique events that show the impact of health issues as well as galvanize the community and local
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JUNE 29, 2016 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM