CDBG Awards

The Red River Regional Council Board of Directors allocated its $202,711 in 2018 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to three projects in Region IV at its meeting August 17, 2018. The projects include:

• $57,500 to the City of Minto for a housing rehabilitation project. The project will assist qualifying low and moderate-income homeowners with health and safety issues in their homes at no cost to the homeowner. Common repairs including roofing, windows, doors, plumbing, heating and electrical, and other safety and accessibility items. It is anticipated up to 12 homes will be rehabilitated and the work will begin in 2019.
• $99,500 to the City of Walhalla on behalf of the Walla Theater project. The city will be the applicant for this grant which will address accessibility in the theater. The CDBG funds will be used to construct two ADA accessible restrooms, add ADA compliant doors and automatic openers at the entrances, and construct the ramp and stage at the front of the theater. It is the goal of the Gorge Arts and Heritage Council, which has been working on this project for 10 years, to give the area a community center and gathering space. The theater will be utilized by the school and public and will be able to host talent shows, youth rallies, senior citizen entertainment, high school plays, holiday programs, recitals and of course, movies.
• $45,711 to the City of Grafton on behalf of the Tri-Valley Opportunity Council’s energy efficiency project at the facility in Grafton. Tri-Valley Opportunity Council supports a Migrant Head Start program at the facility in Grafton. The program serves children of migrant families from age 6 weeks to 5 years old. There are potentially 109 children enrolled for the 2018 season which is May to November. The project will consist of replacing 24 wood windows and heat exchanger for the building. New controls will be installed to more efficiently control the mechanical systems in the building.

These projects have been allocated funds from the Region IV allocation of CDBG funds. All projects will now complete the final application process before the release of funds from the ND Department of Commerce – Division of Community Services.

Membership and Recognition

Three new members were appointed to the Board of Directors including:  Mayor Gerald Uglem, Northwood, representing Grand Forks County mayors; Mayor Lacey Hinkle, Cavalier, representing Pembina County mayors; and Barry Wilfahrt, The Chamber of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, representing the private sector.  The Board recognized outgoing member former Mayor Ken Briese, Cavalier, and Mayor Ray Fegter, Larimore.  The Board also recognized Dawn Keeley, Executive Director, for 20 years of service with the organization.

Outgoing board member Mayor Ken Briese, Cavalier, recognized for his service by Chris Lipsh, President, and Dawn Keeley, Executive Director

Dawn Keeley, Executive Director, recognized for 20 years of service by President Chris Lipsh and Past President, Dan Stenvolds