Small Town News

Ground breaking held for new $3.9 million apartment complex

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The groundbreaking for a 24-unit apartment complex took place last Friday morning, east of Belcourt.

Located on the southwest end of the Kent Addition Housing Project, the complex, called New Generations, will offer federally assisted low-income housing to the urtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Rental rates will be based on 30 percent of the tenant's adjusted annual income.

The project carries a price tag of an estimated $3.9 million. Funding came from the USDA Rural Development's Section 515 Multi-Family Loan Program, which contributed $1 million; a $1,529,220 grant from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, administered by the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency; and a contribution of $1,284,570 from the Turtle Mountain Housing Authority (TMHA).

"There is a clear need for additional housing units in the Turtle Mountain area and partnering with the community to help meet their housing needs is an important part of Rural Development's mission," said Jasper Schneider, USDA Rural Development State Director.

According to a press release from the USDA, the complex will "improve the living conditions for many of those living on the reservation."

Last month, a study was conducted on the Turtle Mountain Reservation to ascertain the homeless population. Eunice Baker, a TMHA certified occupancy specialist, had estimated that "well over 50 percent" of the tribal population on the reservation are homeless.

According to Becky Phelps, TMHA development specialist, construction on the complex has already started. A notice to proceed was issued on March 31. Within the next week or so, Phelps said, full-scale construction will' be noticed by passersby; in the meanwhile, bulldozers will start on peeling back dirt.

Phelps added that TMHA is anticipating occupancy in the complex to start in late February of 2011.

Sen. Richard Marcellais, tribal chainnan of the Turtle Mountain Band, voiced his gratitude to Schneider and the USDA's continued support to partner with the tribe "to meet our housing goals and objectives."

"USDA Rural Development has been a great supporter in helping us fund some much needed housing initiatives, as well as other economic development projects," Marcellais said.

Marcellais. along with members of the Turtle Mountain Tribal Council, employees of the Turtle Mountain Housing Authority, and representatives from the USDA were on hand for the groundbreaking.

Jolene Kline, director of planning and housing development with the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA), said that of the state funds available, Belcourt has received one-third of that funding.

In addition to helping fund New Generations, Kline said that NDHFA will also help fund an eight-unit complex; groundbreaking for that project, to be located west of Bel-court, will be held in two weeks, Phelps added.



Copyright 2010 Turtle Mountain Star, Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 Turtle Mountain Star Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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