Commitment to Community - RDFC Grant
Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) has joined the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) to support outdoor recreation in our rural service area, distributing $2,000 to two separate initiatives.
The RDFC is a North Dakota nonprofit finance and development corporation. RDFC’s member-owners are the North Dakota Rural Electric Cooperatives, nine North Dakota Rural Telecommunication Cooperatives, and the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives. RDFC encourages economic diversification and community vitality by generating funding that supports sustainable asset building.
As a member of the RDFC, CCEC has an allocation of funds available to increase awareness of their more extensive loan program that funds community-based projects and nonprofit entities with low-interest loans. Community groups in CCEC’s service area are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $2,000 for community-based projects each year.
In 2021, Arthur, Hunter, Valley City, and Wimbledon Fire Districts received funds. This year the grant money went toward boardwalks near Lake Ashtabula on the North Country Trail and toward the Sheyenne River Water Trail projects.
The North Country Trail Association (NCTA) mission is to develop, maintain, protect and promote the North Country National Scenic Trail as the premier hiking path across the northern tier of the United States through a trail-wide coalition of volunteers and partners. These new boardwalks along Lake Ashtabula will help ensure a safer experience on the trail for residents and lake visitors.
The Sheyenne River Water Trail is currently being developed. It starts north of Lake Ashtabula at the Army Corps of Engineers Johnson Landing on the lake, and continues through the lake. Visitors portage around Baldhill Dam and then get back on the Sheyenne River. The trail has portages around Mill Dam in Valley City and various small dams. In Lisbon, guests get out at Sandager Park and put in below the Lisbon Dam. There will be landing improvements along the way in 2022. The trail ends at the east landing at the Sheyenne National Grassland. A map will be developed as landing sites are put in and improved.
“One of Cass County Electric Cooperative’s core values is Commitment for Community,” said Paul Matthys, CCEC vice president of member and energy services. “These grants are our way of helping to ensure that our rural communities enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling quality of life.”
For more information about the grants, visit CassCountyElectric.com/RDFC-grant.