Organizers of Montana's two national signature events commemorating the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial are asking legislators to approve $1 million to offset the costs to communities where the events will be located.

House Bill 417, sponsored by Monica Lindeen, D-Huntley, the bicentennial funding bill passed unanimously by the house administration subcommittee, and is now on tap for consideration by the House Appropriations Committee. The bill should be heard before the entire House sometime next week, said Montana Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Director, Clint Blackwood.

This year, from June 1 through July 4, Cascade and Choteau counties will play host to Explore the Big Sky, one of 15 signature events nationwide. The communities of Fort Benton and Great Falls will likely see some 140,000 visitors over 34 days, according to Julie Klesh, Explore the Big Sky special events coordinator.

The 2005 Big Sky event will cost about $3 million, and most of which will be generated through donations, sponsorship and federal and private grants, Klesh said. Most of the rest will come from ticket sales, she added, but if approved the state funding will be used to assist cities and counties in providing additional security by law enforcement and other emergency and support services during the events.

"What we're trying to do is keep this event from taxing our communities," Klesh said.

In 2006, it's estimated that more than 60,000 people will attend Clark on the Yellowstone at Pompey's Pillar near Billings. Preparations have been underway for several years, said Melody Dobson, Clark on the Yellowstone event coordinator. A new interpretive center at Pompey's Pillar is ready for the influx of visitors, she added.

Blackwood said the $1 million investment will help to boost Montana's economy, increase interest in tourism in Montana and create a new cultural awareness in the state.

"Our legislators are on board because they understand the importance of it," Blackwood added.

Reporter Laura Tode can be reached at 447-4081 or by e-mail at laura.tode@helenair.com.