Montana County Pursing Grant for Courthouse Elevator

Lewis and Clark County is pursuing a Montana Historic Preservation Grant application from the state to replace the courthouse’s elevator with one that will require less power and bring “significant energy savings,” the Independent Record reports. For this project, contractors would replace and expand the existing outdated elevator system servicing the three-story building. The current three-stop elevator will have a backup emergency lift installed, and a dumbwaiter/materials lift will be installed on the third floor to aid document storage in the attic. The new elevator plan could save between 70% and 75% in energy costs, as the system is hydraulic with a counterweight and motor set to output a certain percentage of power. The project will have to comply with regulations set by the Montana Environmental Protection Act, or MEPA. The total project cost is estimated at US$995,853 and the county match will be 50%, which exceeds the 20% grant match requirement, and officials are hoping it would take between six and eight months to complete.