In a year defined by a robust five year strategic planning effort, the Red River Regional Council’s impact on economic vitality and the quality of life in the four counties it serves is demonstrated in the wide range of business and community development projects outlined in its 2014 annual report. Dan Stenvold, RRRC President and Mayor of Park River, is pleased with the accomplishments of the region’s communities. “Our communities and partners continue to make strides in improving the quality of life for citizens in our northeast corner of the state,” says Stenvold. “I am especially excited to see that the broad-based efforts of the RRRC and its staff continue to bring excellent results for the region.” With a loan portfolio topping the $2 million dollar mark, and projects totaling nearly $3.4 million dollars secured from county, regional, state and federal funds and leveraged by $2.9 million in private funds in 2014, the RRRC is demonstrating strong support for housing rehabilitation programs, hazard mitigation projects, outdoor recreation and conservation, stream restoration and water quality efforts, and economic development. “What’s not often calculated in dollars and cents is the time we spend building upon the creative and entrepreneurial spirit found in residents and leaders of our communities,” says Dawn Keeley, Executive Director of the RRRC. “We are dedicated to being an energetic and determined partner in order to move the ideas into actions that build businesses, transform communities and create a better future for everyone in our region.” Stenvold agrees the staff is committed to assisting communities and businesses in achieving their goals. “I am very proud of our employees. The RRRC staff go above and beyond each and every day to make working with the RRRC a pleasurable experience,” Stenvold said. The RRRC is one of eight regional planning councils in North Dakota established in 1973 to enhance the ability of local governments to jointly plan, address issues, and seize opportunities that transcend individual boundaries. The RRRC serves Region IV which includes Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina, and Walsh Counties. 2014 RRRC Annual Report
The City of Crystal is currently in the process of preparing for a Citywide Street Improvement Project. The city has applied for North Dakota Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to help pay for a portion of this project. The cost of the project will be divided among the property owners in the form of special assessments. However, homeowners whose incomes fall within CDBG program guidelines for Pembina County can apply to have their special assessments paid for by the grant. The Red River Regional Council (RRRC) will be administering the grant for the city. Household incomes that fall within the amounts below may be eligible to have 100% of their special assessments paid for by the grant: 1 person $24,750 or less 2 people $28,250 or less 3 people $31,800 or less 4 people $35,300 or less 5 people $38,150 or less 6 people $40,950 or less If after paying the special assessments of residents who qualify in the above category, Crystal residents who are above those limits but fall within the following limits may be eligible for partial payment of their special assessments. 1 person $24,751 – $39,550 2 people $28,251 – $45,200 3 people $31,801 – $50,850 4 people $35,301 – $56,500 5 people $38,151 – $61,050 6 people $40,951 – $65,550 Applications can be obtained from Crystal City Auditor Alva Brown or from the RRRC office by calling 701-352-3550. Proof of income and the application are required for participation in this program. Proof of income includes: Your 2014 income tax statement, if applicable
- Social Security benefits statement, if applicable
- If employed, pay stubs for the past two months
- Documentation of any other form of income as noted on the back of the application
Financial support is still available to low and moderate income homeowners seeking assistance with health and safety-related repairs on their homes. Applications are currently being accepted. The Cavalier Housing Rehabilitation Project assists low and moderate income families and individuals that would not otherwise be able to afford the cost of repairs of their homes. The goal of the program is to bring homes into compliance with federal health and safety standards, as well as state and local building codes. In addition, the program helps preserve and improve the structures to increase longevity and value in the community. There is no cost to eligible homeowners. Common repairs include roofing, windows, doors, plumbing, heating, electrical, and safety items. Federal funding sources also require lead paint, floodplain, and historic preservation issues be addressed. Based on previously completed rehabilitation projects, it is anticipated an average of $12,000 will be invested in each home. There is a graduated claw back provision in the program for repayment of grant funds if homeowners sell their home within five years of project completion. As the project sponsor, the Red River Regional Council (RRRC) was awarded $163,278 from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines for funding in the 2014 Round of the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) for the Cavalier Housing Rehabilitation Project. The funds were accessed through a FHLB member bank, United Valley Bank. This brings the total awarded to the project to more than $360,000. The City of Cavalier has contributed $11,500 to the project. Funds have also been awarded by the RRRC and ND Department of Commerce through the Community Development Block Grant program as well as USDA Rural Development Housing Preservation Grant Program. With the award of FHLB funds, a total of 22 homes are expected to be rehabilitated as part of this project. At least 12 more applicants are being sought to fulfill the grant award. “We are very pleased to be awarded these funds to assist in helping even more residents with much needed rehabilitation to make their homes safe and energy efficient,” said Drew Olafson, chair of the Cavalier Housing Committee. The Cavalier Housing Rehabilitation Project is being led by the Cavalier Housing Committee, which is chaired by Olafson. Other members of the committee include Tom Ford, Darold Johnson, Rachel Morrison, Wayne Puppe and Corene Vaughn. RRRC staff Lori Estad and Stacie Sevigny work closely with the housing committee to establish policies to manage the project, oversee implementation, and award construction bids. Interested residents are encouraged to apply as applications are being reviewed and accepted in the order in which they are received. To apply, a two-page application must be completed. The application is available on the RRRC website at www.redriverrc.com. Applications can also be picked up at the Cavalier Administration Building located at 301 Division Avenue North. In addition, applicants must provide: A copy of 2014 property tax statement to prove ownership. If homeowners have already paid 2014 taxes, a copy of the receipt should be included.
- A copy of 2013 income tax statement, if applicable.
- A copy of documentation showing proof of current social security benefits, if applicable.
- If employed, copies of pay stubs for the past three months.
The City of Crystal is currently in the process of preparing for a Citywide Street Improvement Project. The city has applied for North Dakota Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to help pay for a portion of this project. The cost of the project will be divided among the property owners in the form of special assessments. However, homeowners whose incomes fall within CDBG program guidelines for Pembina County can apply to have their special assessments paid for by the grant. The Red River Regional Council (RRRC) will be administering the grant for the city. Household income qualifications are: 1 person $24,750 or less 2 people $28,250 or less 3 people $31,800 or less 4 people $35,300 or less Income guidelines include anyone living in the home that is age 18 and older. In order to determine who may qualify for payment of specials, RRRC staff will be in Crystal to meet with individual residents on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Crystal Apartments located at 334 3rdStreet in Crystal. Letters have been sent to single family homeowners. Please bring proof of your 2014 income along with the application. Applications can be obtained from Crystal City Auditor Alva Brown or from the RRRC office by calling 701-352-3550. Proof of income and the application are required for participation in this program. Proof of income includes:
- Your 2014 income tax statement, if applicable
- Social Security benefits statement, if applicable
- If employed, pay stubs for the past two months
- Documentation of any other form of income as noted on the back of the application