1. United States
2. Letter

The abrupt termination of the $20 million EPA Community Change Grant awarded to Butte-Silver Bow for the Community Resiliency Hub project is deeply concerning. This grant had already been appropriated by Congress via the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and formally awarded after a rigorous application process, with Butte's proposal being praised as comprehensive and meeting all requirements. Cancelling the grant without proper justification after months of work to fulfill provisions is unacceptable. The Resiliency Hub would provide vital services like a clean air shelter during wildfires and disasters, as well as recreation and education opportunities that directly benefit community health and welfare. Butte lacks such facilities currently. With climate change increasing wildfire risks, as evidenced by the region's first fire of 2025, this Hub addresses a pressing need. Its $15 million matching funds from a local foundation further demonstrate broad support. Rescinding promised federal funding so abruptly undermines public trust in government processes. I urge you to intervene swiftly to reinstate this grant which had been legally and properly awarded. Butte followed all rules and should not have the rules changed retroactively midway through implementation. This injustice must be corrected to uphold guidelines and maintain accountability. Communities deserve reliable federal partnerships, not arbitrary funding reversals after acting in good faith. We are sure you do not agree with this decision and expect you to fight hard on behalf of the people of Butte, Montana to reinstate the grant. Please take action to honor Butte's approved Resiliency Hub grant as awarded.