USDA Rural Development officials recently visited the open house of the newly constructed White Earth Elderly Nutritional Center in Elbow Lake with local, state, and White Earth tribal officials. The Tribe received a total of $50,000 in grant funds from USDA Rural Development to help offset the cost of much needed equipment for the new facility.
“The importance of having up-to-date equipment when running an essential community facility or rural small business plays a significant role in the service provide to the community,” said Colleen Landkamer, USDA Rural Development State Director. “Improvements like these save tax dollars, improve the natural environment, and increase economic development by allowing for expanded operations.”
The $50,000 in Rural Development Community Facility Economic Impact Initiative (EII) funds were used to purchase the following necessary operational equipment including: a freezer, refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, tables and chairs, washer and dryer, and an exhaust hood/fire suppression system.
In addition to the $50,000 grant from Rural Development, the White Earth Tribal Council contributed $29,050 towards the equipment portion of the project. Over the past 15 years, USDA Rural Development has invested over $7.5 million in loans and grants on the White Earth Reservation.
Rural Development also invests in housing, water and wastewater treatment, businesses, renewable energy and broadband.