WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded funding to two tribes in North Dakota, according to Sens. Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven.

The funds include $500,000 to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians through the Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup Cooperative Agreement and will be used to remove asbestos from aging structures at L’BelCour in Becourt.

Additional funds of $310,000 will to the Spirit Lake Tribe for efforts to clean up brownfield sites near Fort Totten, Sheyenne and St. Michael for redevelopment.

“Asbestos is a hazardous contaminant and this funding from EPA will help Turtle Mountain and Spirit Lake remove it alongside other contaminants from the properties, providing a safer environment for the area,” Hoeven said.