Four Region 4 entities have received Rural Catalyst Grants from the North Dakota Department of Commerce, supporting quality of life improvement and economic development projects for rural communities in the state. The grant was made possible through legislation passed by the 2025 North Dakota Legislature in Senate Bill 2390. $2.5 million dollars was available and awarded.
“What makes the Rural Catalyst Grant so valuable is that it helps communities that have ideas but not necessarily the funds to take the next step forward,” said Gwen Crawford, City Administrator for the City of Valley City and Rural Catalyst Grant reviewer. “Whether it’s supporting new projects, adding on to projects that were already in place or helping the community fill a vital need, this program helps remove barriers that can slow progress and gives community members the support they need to turn good ideas into real projects that strengthen their local economy and quality of life.”
The objectives of the grant were as follows:
- Strengthen rural communities addressing critical needs in the areas of community and economic development, health and wellness or for the purpose of preserving or reopening rural grocery stores.
- Support quality of life improvement such as improving access to healthcare, essential services, education, housing or transportation within the community.
- Encourage partnerships and collaboration between local organizations, businesses, and government entities.
- Support innovative approaches to address unique challenges faced by rural areas.
- Foster community development and revitalization efforts in rural regions.
Among the 94 applications totaling $18 million, 18 applicants were from Region 4 in Northeast North Dakota. Of those 18, four entities received grant awards totaling $1,119,811:
- Red River Regional Council for The Reyleck in Grafton – $500,000
- City of Walhalla for its outdoor aquatic facility – $465,526
- City of Lakota for a satellite health clinic – $104,633
- City of Edinburg for Market on Main Grocery Store – $49,652