Montana Learning Center awarded grant to build new observatory and more Grant awarded by the Dept. of Commerce. Alexie Aguayo and last updated 2021-05-27 13:51:05-04 HELENA â The Montana Learning Center (MLC) at Canyon Ferry Lake was awarded more than $67,000 from the Montana Department of Commerceâs Tourism Grant program. In a press release, the center says the funds will be used to upgrade telescopes in the existing observatories, enhance public outreach, and promote awareness of the facility. The funding will help Montana Learning Center expand its programs and observatories, which consist of the largest public-access telescope in Montana, and a robotic telescope equipped with a camera specifically designed to capture stellar objects.