Due to lack of participation from some cities and a recent request from a participating city, the Pembina County Commission has revised its Self Help program guidelines to allow full benefit of the program to participating cities. Starting in 2021 each city may submit up to two applications.

Currently each of Pembina County’s 11 cities can apply for up to $1,500 as the county’s match to a local project. Cities can apply for a specific city project (i.e. sidewalks, street repairs), and/or cities can allow another organization like the park district or other non-profit entity to apply for one of its projects (i.e. outdoor skating rink, city park upgrades).

The county budgets a total of $16,500 each year to support projects in Pembina County cities, however in recent years $4,500-$6,000 has been left unutilized based on a lack of applications. Beginning with the 2021 program, updates include:

• Each city can submit up to two applications for two separate projects. Both projects are not required to be city projects. For example, the park district or other non-profit organization can apply for a project if agreed to by a city. However, a Pembina County city must be the applicant.

• City council meeting minutes must reflect what project is being applied for, regardless of whether it is a city project or a project of another non-profit organization.

• Projects can be located outside city limits provided a Pembina County city agrees to be the applicant.

• The maximum county match for each application is $1,500. This must be matched dollar for dollar by the city or other entity the city is applying on behalf of.

• Should more than 11 applications total be received in any program year, the County Commission will determine which projects receive the matching county funds. Cities submitting two applications are asked to identify which application is the first priority if only one application is funded.

• The county is not obligated to allocate the entire $16,500 budgeted annually for this program.

A fillable PDF application can be found here: https://redriverrc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2021-Pembina-County-Self-Help-Program-Application.pdf

For cities submitting more than one application, please note that applicants must specify in the top section whether the application is priority #1 or #2. If the county does not fund all applications received, this will be considered when determining funding priorities. The deadline to submit applications for the 2021 program is December 15, 2021.

The Pembina County Self Help Program began in the 1990s and has been managed by the Red River Regional Council (RRRC) on behalf of the county since its inception. The goal of the program is to utilize county funds to support community betterment projects in Pembina County cities.

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In an effort to grow more interest in local foods, production and small business, the Red River Regional Council has schedule a one-day field trip from Grafton to Rolla on July 15. The RRRC is in the process of evaluating establishing a kitchen incubator to be headquartered in Grafton to assist in growing local food based businesses.

"We have numerous foodpreneurs in the areas that could be matured into larger businesses by providing affordable, collaborative commercial space," said Dawn Mandt, Executive Director. "These food-based businesses also enhance our quality of place and attract more people to the area by providing unique product lines. We want to learn more about the role we can play to assist these types of entrepreneurs in the region."

The RRRC has planned a one-day field trip to Rolla to visit and learn more about local foods and a year-round business model. Hosting the Rolla event is Danielle Mickelson, owner of Lena's Fresh Farmer's Market. Mickelson continues to grow this business in downtown Rolla by providing fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, canned vegetables, and featuring other local vendors with limited hours of operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mickelson is also the Rolla Job Development Authority Director.

The field trip will include education on the following topics:

• how to grow a food-based businesses
• resources for local foods and agri-tourism projects
• how local foods can grow into a year-round business
• foodpreneur opportunities for all ages
• how local foods can become a win/win for small towns
• how to assess the market for gaps and pricing
• marketing strategies
• helping food producers follow the law

The details:

• depart Grafton at 7:00 a.m. and return by 6:00 p.m.
• $25 registration fee covers transportation, lunch, and education session
• limited to 10 registrants
• Contact Jake Weinsch, Developer, at 701-352-3550 or jake@redriverrc.com to register

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