FORT TOTTEN — The Spirit Lake Tribe has been selected to receive up to $1 million in federal funding to support the development of a wastewater system and lagoon project in the Crow Hill community, marking a significant step toward expanding critical infrastructure on the reservation, the tribe announced.

The funding, made available through the Bureau of Reclamation’s Native American Affairs Technical Assistance to Tribes Program, will support the 2025 SLT Crow Hill Wastewater System and Lagoon Construction Project, which was among the highest-rated applications submitted for fiscal year 2025.

The project will focus on establishing a centralized wastewater system for Crow Hill, a community that currently relies entirely on individual septic systems. According to Spirit Lake Refuse, no households in Crow Hill are connected to a community sewer system, and residents often pay approximately $150 per month for septic pumping services.

“This is a big step forward for our community,” said Darren Walking Eagle, Crow Hill representative on the Spirit Lake Tribal Council. “This project will help alleviate costs for our families and begin building a foundation for future growth. It is something we have been working toward, and I appreciate the support from Tribal Council in helping move this forward.”

The project is expected to be completed in phases. While the initial funding may not connect all homes, it will establish the foundation for a lagoon system that can be expanded through future funding opportunities. The system is intended to improve long-term infrastructure, extend service life for residential systems and support sustainable development in the area.

Ryan Brown, director of Grants and Planning for the Spirit Lake Tribe, emphasized the broader impact of the award.

“Securing this funding is a significant achievement and reflects the work being done to bring infrastructure improvements to all areas of the reservation,” Brown said. “Crow Hill is located on the outer edge of existing systems, and this project represents an important step toward connecting more of our communities. It also helps build long-term sustainability by upgrading infrastructure that will serve residents for decades.”

The lagoon system will be managed by Spirit Lake Refuse in coordination with the Tribe’s Water Resources Department. A project location has been identified, and the tribe will continue working with the Indian Health Service to finalize site details and move the project forward.