(ND Ag Connection) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is amplifying its support for rural North Dakotans by granting extra funds to a pivotal water access project. Bryan Schmitt, from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, shared that an additional $430,000 has been awarded, building on the prior $280,000 contribution.

The project, spearheaded by the Tri-County Water District, aims to transition those reliant on water hauling or wells to a regulated water system. This funding will primarily cater to equipment costs and the laying down of pipelines. The beneficiaries encompass residents of Walsh, Nelson, Grand Forks counties, and a segment of Ramsey County.

The monetary assistance is channeled through the Assistance for Small and Disadvantaged Communities Drinking Water grant program. This initiative specifically supports regions with populations under 10,000 – a criterion that the Tri-County Water District’s coverage comfortably meets.

Though currently in its blueprint phase, Schmitt anticipates the project’s launch in spring 2024, with completion expected by fall of the same year.