WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg today announced almost $2.5 million in funding for projects throughout the state, including $500,000 for the Western Montana Children’s Safety Initiative at the Watson Children’s Center in Missoula. The funding was included by the House Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee for Fiscal Year 2010.

“When I toured Watson’s Children Shelter, I was impressed with the level of service and the quality of care given to some of the community’s most vulnerable children,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “The Watson’s Children Shelter fills a critical need in Western Montana, and I’m pleased I was able to secure this crucial funding to help make a real difference in the lives of Montana children.”

The Watson Children’s Shelter is Western Montana’s only emergency children’s shelter, serving nearly 100 children per year who escape from abuse, neglect, abandonment, family crisis, and other traumatic situations. The substantial population growth in Western Montana coupled with the subsequent increase in methamphetamine abuse, poverty, and related issues has significantly increased the need for children-oriented emergency shelter services.

These funds will help in the construction of a second facility, beginning in the fall of 2009, to double capacity and provide shelter service for an estimated 150 children annually.

“We are experiencing an unprecedented need for abused and neglected children who need our care,” said Fran M. Albrecht, Executive Director, Watson Children’s Shelter Missoula, Montana. “I am deeply grateful that Congressman Rehberg is responding on behalf of Montana children by helping to secure funds that will allow us to double our capacity and give every child the safety and support they so desperately require.”