NEW TOWN AND MANDAREE – The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, also known as Three Affiliated Tribes, is breaking ground this week for new water facilities at New Town and Mandaree.

According to MHA Nation information, the ground breaking for the Fort Berthold Rural Water Office and Shop Facility will be today at 11 a.m. at 3922 95th Ave. NW, New Town. Lunch will be provided for everyone at the MHA Interpretive Center.

The existing office was built in 1994. Over the past 31 years Fort Berthold Rural Water Systems has expanded to all six segments of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The new facility will accommodate the growing water system and provide additional storage for pipes and materials used in operation and maintenance.

The ground breaking for the Bruce A. Fox Water Treatment Plant will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at 9628 25th St. NW, Mandaree. Lunch will be provided for everyone at the Water Chief Hall.

The new water treatment plant will replace the existing Mandaree Water Treatment Plant constructed more than three decades ago. The new plant honors Bruce A. Fox who retired from Fort Berthold Rural Water after 33 years of dedicated service. Upon completion, the new water treatment plant will provide and improve the existing water services for the Mandaree community.

The ground breaking events will feature speeches from leadership, including Mark Fox, tribal chairman, and tribal council members.