Area cities receive grants
Housing and water projects in Kenmare, Upham and Glenburn will benefit from grants recently awarded through the Community Development Block Grant program.
The North Dakota Department of Commerce manages the program, which provides financial assistance to eligible cities and counties. Souris Basin Planning Council and the seven other regional planning councils receive allocations from the state to fund projects in their region.
The City of Kenmare will receive a $32,599 grant for the Kenmare Housing rehabilitation project. Funds will be used for replacing shingles and windows and improving handicap accessibility to the front entrance. The project will be completed this summer.
The renovation adds value to the city in terms of housing but also assists residents who want to continue to stay in the community, said Maria Effertz-Hanson, community development specialist for Souris Basin Planning Council. The state funding allows the project to be completed in a cost-effective manner, she said. Without the grant, renovation may have had to take place over an extended time period, increasing costs to the low-income housing residents.
Upham will receive $82,500 to cover a portion of an $800,000 project to bring rural water to the community. Because Upham's water system is not in compliance with arsenic rules, the city voted to hook up with All Seasons Water Users District. The grant will help keep water rates affordable for residents, Effertz-Hanson said.
The city intends to let bids this fall, and the projected will be completed in 2009.
Glenburn will receive a grant for $38,610 to replace portions of a lift station and purchase a more powerful motor, allowing Glenburn to service a larger area so the city can continue to grow. The project will be completed in late fall.
