Montana Governor Steve Bullock has announced a grant to a bitcoin mining company in Missoula County, which marks first such initiative in the United States.

The aid is a part of the $1,124,030 economic development grants announced by the Governor this week. The grant primarily aims to assist Main Street businesses across Montana with creating 116 jobs, providing workforce training and developing plans for growth and expansion.

“As Montana's strong economy continues to grow, Main Street businesses in communities across the state are adding jobs and seeking a skilled workforce to fill them,” Governor Bullock said. “These funds will help businesses plan for responsible growth and train employees for success.”

According to the official release, the funds are being awarded through the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) and the Primary Sector Workforce Training Grant (WTG) programs at the Department of Commerce, Office of Tourism and Business Development.

Missoula County received $416,000 of BSTF Job Creation funds to assist Project Spokane, LLC – a data center that provides blockchain security services for the bitcoin network. The BSTF funds will be used for the purchase of equipment, machinery, furniture, and software and for wage reimbursement. The expansion activities will allow the company to create 65 new jobs in Bonner.