Appropriations bill includes funds for area water projects

U.S. Sens. Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad, D-N.D., and Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., announced today that Congress has given final approval to an appropriations bill that will invest in Native American higher education and water projects that will boost local rural economies, including Stutsman County.

The bill includes $4.4 million for operations at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, as well as an additional $250,000 for UTTC to provide training for law enforcement personnel in Indian Country. The state will also benefit from programs through the University of North Dakota to recruit and train Indians for careers in medicine, nursing, and psychology.

In addition, $1.2 million was included to expand and strengthen water systems in Valley City, Washburn and Stutsman County.

“This bill will enhance our tribal higher education system in the state, and continue successful programs that encourage Native Americans to pursue high-demand careers in medicine and law enforcement that will greatly benefit tribal populations,” said the delegation in a joint statement. “Investments in water infrastructure in Valley City, Washburn and Stutsman County will expand access to safe, reliable drinking water. All of these investments in North Dakota are good news for the people of our state.”

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