The Trump Administration has announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $362,534 through the Tribal College Initiative Grant Program to assist Nebraska Indian Community College and Little Priest Tribal College with needed improvements and updates.
“USDA Rural Development is pleased to assist Nebraska Indian Community College and Little Priest Tribal College in the betterment of their campuses,” said USDA Rural Development Nebraska State Director Karl Elmshaeuser. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Nebraska in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Nebraska Indian Community College located in Macy, NE will use a $196,270 grant to provide an additional 11,000 square feet of paved access road to the campus site and provide an additional 8,000 square feet of parking to meet the need due to increased enrollment. The funding will provide for all costs associated with design, development and contingencies for the students, faculty, and staff.
Little Priest Tribal College located in Winnebago, NE will use $166,264 in grant funds to upgrade the parking lot on the northeast side of the east entry lane to the college campus. The round rock and railroad ties that now comprise the parking lot will be removed and replaced with 5" crushed concrete and poured 7" thick concrete with curb along one edge. The area will have approximately 25 parking stalls striped with yellow paint. Repairs will be made to the Buffalo, Thunder and Bear Clans buildings, in the form of new door hardware for ease of use and safety. The dorm will receive new carpeting and the above noted buildings new furnishings and fixtures. Additionally, a 15-passenger van will be purchased to transport students from the dormitory to the campus and to transport students to various student service events. Also, Campus grounds will receive three gazebos and three commercial grade picnic tables to utilize as outdoor classrooms as well as enhance the campus experience while contributing to the students' personal well-being. Lastly, an outdoor basketball system will be installed by the dorms for recreation and fitness.
The Tribal College Initiative Grant program provides funding to 1994 Land Grant Institutions (Tribal Colleges) to make capital improvements to their educational facilities and to purchase equipment. Funds can be used by Tribal Colleges for infrastructure improvements, to purchase equipment and to develop essential community facilities.
If you have questions about the Tribal College Initiative Grant Program contact Mary Sneckenberg at 402-437-5567 or mary.sneckenberg@usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.
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