Brent Ekstrom, representing the Lewis and Clark Development Group, briefed the Morton County Commission on grants and capacity-building measures that could help small towns in the county access state funds.

Ekstrom outlined two programs created by the North Dakota Legislature: a Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Grant for communities under 4,500 that offers up to $150,000 per eligible grocery store (applications must come through the regional council), and a statewide Rural Catalyst Grant (total appropriation $2.5 million) for small-town revitalization projects; department rules were expected to be released in the fall with applications possibly available in October.

Ekstrom said the regional council will hire a resource-development director funded in part by a state appropriation intended to increase regional capacity; that new staffer will assist small towns not only by identifying grant opportunities but by preparing and administering applications on a cost-share basis to reduce the need for expensive outside consultants.

He also told commissioners the regional council reduced its mill levy charged to member counties from previous levels and that Morton County’s dues for the coming year will be about $29,004.45, roughly $3,700 less than the prior year because the board reduced its county dues to 0.125 mills after state capacity funds were awarded.

Ekstrom encouraged county officials to refer grocery stores and small communities needing assistance; he said application deadlines for the first grant are Sept. 17 and that applications for the Rural Catalyst program were expected in October.