Walsh and Pembina counties are currently seeking cities interested in funding assistance for community betterment projects. Both Pembina and Walsh counties are accepting applications for projects as part of their Self-Help Programs.

There are many ways communities can use these county funds for betterment projects. Examples of projects cities have used the funds toward include: maintenance and mowing at a city park; city beautification; sidewalk and street repairs; Senior Center programs; playground equipment purchase; city sewer line maintenance; and street light repair.

The main objective is to promote development within communities of Pembina and Walsh counties. The Red River Regional Council manages the program on behalf of the counties. There are four program criteria:

• Requests cannot exceed one-half of the total project cost, nor can the request exceed $1,500.

• The county funds must be matched 1:1. Funds will be released on a reimbursement basis with supporting documentation.

• A copy of a resolution or minutes of the meeting when the applicant authorized the project must be included with the application. The city must include in its minutes that it plans to apply for self-help funds for a specific project.

• Any change in scope of the awarded project or if a City would like to use funds for a different project than awarded, the change must first be approved by the County.

The deadline to apply is December 15, 2021. Applications will be presented to the commissioners in Pembina and Walsh counties for review and funding decisions in early 2022.

Applications have been mailed to city auditors and mayors in both counties and can be submitted via mail to Red River Regional Council, 516 Cooper Avenue, Grafton ND 58237 or via email to Stacie@redriverrc.com. A fillable application can be found here: https://redriverrc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-APPLICATION-FILLABLE.docx

As a reminder, any communities that received 2020 self-help funds have until December 1, 2021 to submit a reimbursement request. All reimbursement requests and supporting documentation should be sent to the respective county auditor. Requests received after that date may not be funded.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Stacie Sevigny at 701-352-3550 or Stacie@redriverrc.com.