Cal Poole, executive director of the Montana Heritage Commission, told the appropriations subcommittee that the commission manages state historic properties and tourism sites and reported an estimated economic footprint of about $74.4 million for southwest Montana.

"We protect over 250 state owned historic buildings, over 1,000,000 Americana artifacts," Poole said, adding that the commission operates leanly with five full-time and several seasonal positions but oversees a large portfolio.

Poole described visitor numbers and revenue: Virginia City, Nevada City and Reader's Alley draw about "a little over 500,000 visitors annually," and the commission reported roughly $2.1 million in revenue in fiscal 2024 and expenses of about $2.85 million in fiscal 2025.

Stonewall Hall and deferred maintenance: Poole and deputy director Mandy Rambo described Stonewall Hall restoration steps. Rambo said the commission has a 1-for-1 match pledged for a Save America's Treasures grant application: "Should we get that grant it would be a $750,000 grant and we were able to get 750,000 fundraised for the match." The commission plans exterior work this summer and interior work if the grant is awarded next summer.

Criminal investigation and prior director: Deputy Director Mandy Rambo told the committee the department discovered irregularities after the prior executive director resigned and later filed criminal charges. Rambo said the department's investigation and referrals led to criminal charges for embezzlement and money laundering against the former executive director and a former lessee in Reader's Alley; she said the complaint substantiated at least $350,000 in irregularities and that charges were filed in mid-December. Rambo clarified the criminal irregularities were discovered after the individual had resigned, so administrative leave was not used.

Why it matters: Witnesses emphasized the commissions role in heritage tourism and community partnerships, and committee members pressed for clarity on deferred maintenance costs and partnerships for fire prevention and overnight accommodations.

Ending: The commission said it is pursuing fundraising, grant matches and partnerships to address a backlog of maintenance and to reopen shuttered hotels; staff will provide additional inventory and cost estimates on deferred maintenance as they develop them.