Application period is now closed!
Purpose
The Rural Slum and Blight Removal Grant supports local governments and/or non-profit organizations in addressing dilapidated and blighted properties and/or facilities in rural areas.
Mission
The Department of Commerce leads the efforts to attract, retain, and expand wealth and improve the quality of life for the people of North Dakota.
Program Objectives
- Increase the availability of development ready properties in rural North Dakota.
- Improve the quality and safety of communities.
- Improve vibrancy of communities by eliminating slum and blight.
- Encourage partnerships and collaboration between local organizations, businesses, and government entities.
- Foster community development and revitalization efforts in rural regions.
Eligibility
The Slum and Blight Removal Grant may support the following types of grants to non-profits and/or local governments in North Dakota:
- Eligible Entities – City, County, Economic Development organization (JDA, regional Councils, EDC, CVB) and local tribal entities
- Eligible Activities
- Purchase and removal of blighted properties
- If applicant does not own the property at the time of applications, must have a purchase agreement.
- Must present plan for future use of rehabilitated lot.
- Remove hazards or rehabilitate structures from blighted properties
- Up to $10,000 per business or improvements if the business is located in a mixed-use property
- Purchase and removal of blighted properties
*Any rehabilitation costs after blight removal will be applicants responsibility.
How much funding is available? Up to $300,000 per community
*Rural shall be defined as any community or region, based on the application, with a population of less than 10,000.
Matching Requirements
Matching funds are encouraged but not required.
2024 Timeline
- OPEN: March 5, 2024 - 1:00 p.m. CST
- CLOSE: April 18, 2024 - 5:00 p.m. CST - Application period is now closed!
- AWARD: May 16, 2024
Project Timeline
All projects must be completed within 18 months of award notification.
Rural Slum and Blight Guidance
Rural Slum and Blight Application Questions
Applications are submitted via the portal only.
Please contact Anya Hondel, Community Development Coordinator with any questions.
Grant Recipients:
- Sheyenne GRIT received $75,750 for two mixed-use business improvements (improvements on a historic main street building with apartments and Route 281 Service Station), removal of a blighted property (abandoned trailer house), and removal of a hazardous structure on community playground.
- The City of Milnor received $170,425 for asbestos removal and demolition of a blighted building located in Milnor's business district.
- The City of Forman received $49,500 to purchase and remove a dilapidated property on Main Street to create a build-ready lot for future development.
- Oakes Enhancement, Inc. received $300,000 for 6 infill projects, four including the removal of blighted properties to prepare for future development, and two pertaining to make ready apartments in mixed-use facilities on Main Street.
- City of Lakota received $150,000 to demolish and remove two large, dilapidated and hazardous structures.
- Divide County Economic Development Council, Inc. received $200,000 for the acquisition and removal of two blighted properties on Main Street.
- City of Hoople received $38,001 for asbestos and black mold removal, and removal of rotting and hazardous structures on the Hoople Methodist Church.
- City of Harvey received $36,500 to remove a blighted home and prepare for infill.