Virginia City business owners want tourists to know the historic Montana mining town is still welcoming visitors, despite recent closures of some state-owned properties due to controversial lease agreement changes.
The Montana Department of Commerce raised lease rates for businesses operating in state-owned historic properties, leading to the closure of a theater company and a restaurant in nearby Nevada City. Two other restaurant owners are pursuing legal action to remain open.
WATCH: Virginia City Still Open Despite State Lease Dispute
Virginia City businesses emphasize town remains open despite state lease disputes
“What we’ve been going through lately in some weird, strange behavior on the part of the state, relative to some of the businesses here, is not going to derail us. This town has way too much heart,” said Justin Gatewood, who has served as mayor for 12 years…