BISMARCK, N.D., Nov. 21, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development North Dakota State Director Erin Oban announced nearly $12 million in grant and loan investments to improve infrastructure and support non-profits and small businesses in rural and tribal communities across North Dakota.
“The federal investments announced today help further the great things happening from the Turtle Mountains to Turtle Lake and the Devils Lake region down to Regent. From servicing and transportation vehicles, to quality water and renewable energy systems, to new economic development opportunities, the resources made available through USDA Rural Development will continue to expand opportunities and improve the quality of life for our families and friends living, working, and serving in some of our most rural areas throughout North Dakota.”
Across North Dakota:
The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians will use a $41,056 grant through the Community Facilities Program to purchase and install solar panels for the Dunseith Fire Department. Utilities are a major part of the fire department’s expenses, and this project should help lessen that expense and make the fire department sustainable for years to come.
The Turtle Mountain Public Utilities Commission will use $9,392,500 across three grants through the Water and Environmental Program to replace and repair the existing Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians water distribution systems. Improvements include repairs to the booster station which is unable to provide enough pressure to the system. Additional improvements include replacement of non-working water meters, well field improvements to existing wells, and water treatment plant electrical improvements. The completion of the projects will bring this area of the system up to current standards and increase the quality of service to customers.
The Turtle Mountain Recovery Center will use a $24,900 grant through the Community Facilities Program to purchase a transportation vehicle for the center. The TMRC needs the transportation vehicle to transport their patients to and from the new Recovery Center.
The Turtle Mountain Animal Recovery Center will use a $42,000 grant through the Community Facilities Program to purchase a utility task vehicle, computer, scissor lift and generator for the use of the Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue, which provides services to the 20,127 residents of Rolette County and the Turtle Mountain Reservation. The computer will be used for to replace an aging computer so it can work more efficiently with their software and outside systems. The 80-kilowatt (kW) generator will provide backup power to the new building during power outages. The scissor lift will be used to reach high areas in the new shelter where they store large items and to repair and maintain equipment that is in the higher shelter areas. And the UTV will be used to safely access small and often remote areas for rescues and moving equipment and supplies. The shelter typically rescues 70-100 animals per month from the area. The equipment is needed for Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue to continue to provide animal rescue services.
The City of Turtle Lake will use a $1,618,000 grant through the Water and Environmental Program to repair and replace sanitary sewer lines throughout the city of Turtle Lake. Original service lines were installed in the 1930's and are well past their useful life. The city of Turtle Lake suffered damages to the system that were directly attributed to the winter storm and flooding events in the spring of 2022. This project will address the aging infrastructure needs of the city while adding resiliency to the system by providing protection against future storm and flooding events.
The North Central Planning Council will use a $500,000 loan through the Intermediary Relending Program to create a revolving loan fund to promote small businesses, create or retain jobs, and provide economic and social development opportunities for rural areas in North Dakota.
The Roosevelt-Custer Regional Council will use a $120,000 grant to conduct a feasibility study on the tourist destination business “Enchanted Theme Park” located in Regent. The study will set a foundation to assist with the creation of a successful business plan.
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USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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