USDA Rural Development grants $234,300 to four state projects

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) has awarded $234,300 from its Community Facilities Grant Program to four North Dakota projects.

The Oberon School District received $49,700 for a fire suppression system. The water supply in the city of Oberon was unable to provide enough fire flow to put out a fire at the school if needed at the new school it is constructing. These funds will be used to purchase a 10,000-gallon water tank, pumps, piping, distribution system, and a backup generator for additional protection in the event of a power outage during a fire.

The City of Linton received $56,200 to replace 228 sodium vapor lights with LED lights in its city-owned street lights. This project will bring to Linton safer and more energy efficient lighting.

The Steele Volunteer Fire District received $53,400 to purchase a new rescue truck and two self-contained breathing apparatuses. The updated rescue truck will provide adequate fire protection for the community. The breathing apparatuses will protect the safety of the volunteer firefighters while they are fighting fires.

The Tribal Nations Research Group of Belcourt received $75,000 to construct an addition to its building for a conference room, utility room, secure server space and accessibility improvements. As the designated point of contact for all research for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, this group ensures all research is conducted in a manner that protects the people, respects the culture, and works to reduce adverse effects on the tribal community. This expansion will allow for community meetings to be held at the facility and to further research efforts of the reservation.