The Richardton Health Center and other area entities found themselves on the receiving end of over $185 million in federal funding to the state of North Dakota the state's congressional delegation, Sens. Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad and Rep. Earl Pomeroy announced Wednesday.
The Richardton hospital will receive $809,000 from the Omnibus Appropriations bill signed into law by President Barack Obama.
Jim Opdahl, hospital administrator for the Richardton Health Center, said he's not sure what the money can be used for, but he believes it will help make the transition to a skilled nursing facility easier through the purchase of new machinery that is needed.
"With the hospital taskforce that was an issue that was shared with us that there was potentially some dollars that would be coming to the facility sometime after January so this must be it," Opdahl said.
Opdahl added that throughout the entire transition process, which led to the Richardton Health Center moving towards becoming a long-term care facility and Dickinson's St. Joseph's Hospital receiving its critical access designation, the congressional delegation has been more than helpful.
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"They played a significant role in it," Opdahl said. "Very much so and very much appreciated. Otherwise we wouldn't have been able to make this transition."
The delegation lauded the appropriations bill in a joint statement.
"This bill was a real team effort and represents our continued commitment to ensuring North Dakota's economy remains strong," the delegation said in a joint statement. "With the signature of the President, the funding will be available to support vital projects and services that will benefit families all across our state. From improving our highways and supporting high-tech research to protecting communities from flooding, this bill makes a real investment in North Dakota's future."
Also receiving money is Dickinson State University, which will share $1.8 million with Bismarck State College, Williston State College and Minot State University for a collaborative project to help address the growing need for skilled energy workers due to the rapid expansion of oil drilling in the Williston Basin.
DSU will also share $1.32 million with North Dakota State University on a wildlife disease surveillance project.
