RLRR receives USDA grant

Karen is excited to announce that Red Lake Rosie's Rescue has been awarded a USDA grant to complete the following projects:

4 more 2-pod kennels
A fence project
More shelter lighting
A newer model van
A newer model skid loader
A storage shed for animal food and crates/supplies at the shelter

We want to acknowledge Debra S. one of our metro volunteers, who submittted the preapplication and got our foot in the door on this grant. We had received 25% of the funding from the Lawson Family Foundation and the USDA grant will cover the remaining 75%.

It is a capital grant for equipment only, so there are limitations on how we spend it. We continue to need donations for vet costs and shelter operations funds as these do not qualify under the USDA grant.

FROM BEMIDJI PIONEER NEWSPAPER JULY 12, 2009:

Red Lake Rosie’s receives grant

Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue has been selected to receive a $49,500 grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for an expansion project.

Red Lake Rosie’s was one of 345 community facilities improvement projects in 33 states to receive $66.4 million in Recovery Act funds.

“Communities throughout the country are benefiting from the Recovery Act, and by building or upgrading facilities such as libraries, public buildings and community centers, we are investing in the future of rural America,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “These projects will advance the administration’s efforts to jumpstart the economy by creating jobs and economic development opportunities in hundreds of small towns.”

Red Lake Rosie’s rescues abandoned animals on the Red Lake Reservation which helps prevent animals from running wild, spreading diseases or becoming dangerous. The expansion project will help Red Lake Rosie’s improve its operations and services. Since 2005, the organization has rescued over 1,600 animals.

The funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities program which helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include child-care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation. Through this program, USDA ensures that such facilities are available to all rural residents. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations and recognized Indian tribes.

For more information on USDA Rural Development, visit rurdev.usda.gov.mn.

COMPLETE USDA PRESS RELEASE