Efforts to save Hobson grain elevators
HOBSON — The Montana History Foundation announced Wednesday that four projects in central Montana won grants this year.
For the first time, the Helena-based foundation is boosting a project in Judith Basin County. That project aims to save iconic grain elevators in Hobson.
A year ago, BSNF announced plans to tear down the elevators in the fall, unless someone came up with an alternative plan. The elevators have been in place for more than a century.
By September, the “Pride of the Judith” preservation project raised nearly $13,000, enough money for insurance and a lease. The next step will be an estimated $30,000 for new roofs and siding repairs, leader Gerri Campbell said. The history grant is $5,000 toward those repairs. Campbell said the BNSF rated the elevators as safe. She's waiting on the last legal loose ends before the big fundraising push can commence.