Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $725,000 in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Development of Wind Farm on Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Reservation in North Dakota

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $725,000 grant to the Standing Rock Renewable Energy Authority, Fort Yates, North Dakota, for planning, evaluation, and design of the proposed Aneptu Wi Wind Farm. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan’s Indigenous Communities program.

This project will develop critical energy infrastructure for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, diversifying and creating a more resilient Tribal economy. This EDA investment is expected to create or retain nearly 30 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

“The Economic Development Administration is committed to supporting Tribal communities in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will result in a stronger economy for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, encourage business development in clean energy, and create jobs for Tribal members.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities program, which allocates $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding specifically to support the needs of Tribal Governments and Indigenous communities. The program supports these partners to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future. Indigenous communities are also eligible and encouraged to apply under all of EDA’s other programs. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.