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USDA Announces Facility Improvement Grants for Two Tribal Colleges in Arizona

Name
Heather Stacy
Email
heather.stacy@usda.gov
City
Phoenix
Release Date

Investment will Benefit Dinè and Tohono O’odham Colleges
 

PHOENIX, Oct. 22, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Arizona State Director Jack Smith today announced funding to help two tribal colleges upgrade their infrastructure, purchase equipment and make other improvements to their educational facilities.

“Education is one of the best investments we can make for the future of rural Arizona,” Smith said. “Tribal colleges are key resources for tribal communities and regions. It is paramount that rural communities have the safe and modern infrastructure necessary to grow and develop Arizona tribal colleges.”

USDA is funding these projects through the Tribal College Initiative Grants. This program provides funding to tribal colleges to make capital improvements to their educational facilities, to purchase equipment, and to develop essential community facilities. Eligible community facilities projects include schools, education equipment, libraries, dorms, renovation and improvements, vehicle and major equipment, and educational and cultural projects.

  • Dinè College will use a $181,367 grant will be used to purchase and install heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units, steel building coverage, countertop, electrical, building framing and insulation, and concrete foundation and flooring for the Dinè College Tsaile Demonstration Farm. This phase of the project will develop a formal educational classroom setting for the facility, which provides applied research and extension education specific to the production and marketing of livestock, through their Livestock, Farm, Ranch and Range Management education instruction.

  • Tohono O’odham Community College will use a $181,367 grant will be used to purchase and install the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical for the Apedag Ki (Wellness Center). The Wellness Center will provide space for physical education courses, workout equipment, and be used to promote wellness for the college faculty and students.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural area. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/az.

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