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USDA Announces Grants to Support Tribal Projects

Name
Tammi Schone
City
Huron
Release Date

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) South Dakota Rural Development Acting State Director Bruce Jones announced funding for three Tribal related projects including Cloud Horse Art Institute, Tatanka Funds, Inc., and Sisseton Wahpeton College.

“These grant awards continue our efforts to promote economic development and job creation in tribal communities,” said Jones.  “USDA has been working with Tribal individuals and governments to expand investment in Native and tribal community businesses, education, food security, housing, health care and infrastructure.”

Cloud Horse Art Institute based in Kyle will receive $99,981 to provide technical assistance and training to students and business entrepreneurs in the field of media production and additional aspects of the local film industry.  This project is located in a Promise Zone, poverty, and StrikeForce area.  The project is estimated to create 21 new jobs.

Tatanka Funds, Inc. based in Mission will receive $99,800 to provide direct hands-on technical assistance to existing and new businesses on the reservation.  This project is located in a poverty and StrikeForce area.  This project is estimated to create 19 new jobs.

Funding for Cloud Horse Institute and Tatanka Funds, Inc. is being provided through USDA’s Rural Business Development (RBDG) program.  The program supports targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private business in rural areas.  In addition, these awards are part of a nationwide announcement of $3.8 million in grants for 28 projects that will help tribal communities and businesses in 15 states.

In addition, Sisseton Wahpeton College based in Sisseton will receive $143,000 to be used for student housing.  Funding for this project is being provided through USDA’s Tribal College Initiative Grant program.  This program supports tribal land grant colleges and universities.  The program is an important source of funding for higher education in Native American communities.  In addition, this award is part of a nationwide announcement of $2.9 million in grants to help 20 tribal colleges make equipment, infrastructure, facilities and educational improvements.

To learn more about the RBDG and Tribal College Initiative Grant programs for South Dakota, contact:

Dana Kleinsasser, Rural Business & Cooperative Programs Director (Huron State Office)
Phone: (605) 352-1142
Email:  dana.kleinsasser@sd.usda.gov

Cayla Hilbrands, Assistant (Huron State Office)
Phone:  (605) 352-1142
Email:  cayla.hilbrands@sd.usda.gov

Shelby Kraemer, Assistant (Aberdeen)
Phone:  (605) 226-3360, Ext. 4
Email:  shelby.kraemer@sd.usda.gov

Gary Wedel, Specialist (Mitchell)
Phone: (605) 996-1564, Ext. 105
Email:  gary.wedel@sd.usda.gov

Clark Guthmiller, Specialist (Pierre)
Phone: (605) 224-8870, Ext. 120
Email:  clark.guthmiller@sd.usda.gov

Hettianne Cekalla, Specialist (Rapid City)
Phone: (605) 342-0301, Ext. 118
Email:  hettianne.cekalla@sd.usda.gov

Jolene Pravecek, Specialist (Yankton)
Phone:  (605) 665-2662, Ext. 116
Email:  jolene.pravecek@sd.usda.gov

USDA Rural Development has eight offices in the state that assist rural communities.  Office locations include a state office in Huron, along with area offices in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Yankton.

Since 2009, USDA has significantly expanded its support for tribes and tribal communities, provided $533.5 million nationwide to build or upgrade more than 300 tribal facilities, as well as $55 million in loans to Native-owned businesses to promote economic development in tribal areas.  Overall, Rural Development has provided $3.1 billion for American Indians and Alaska Natives during the seven years of the Obama Administration.