Staples, Minn.,
13
October
2016
|
07:00 AM
Europe/Amsterdam

NJPA Presents Check to Local Leaders to Support Regional Veterans Projects

Collaborative regional projects show support for area veterans

Pictured left to right: Anna Gruber, NJPA City and County Solutions Manager, Pete Berscheit, Todd County Veterans Service Officer, David Anderson - Wadena County Veterans Service Officer, David Ludovissie -Wadena County Veterans Memorial Park Chairman, Kathy Marshik, Morrison County Vet-erans Service Officer, Teresa Sorenson, Todd County Veterans Service Officer, Paul Drange, NJPA Director of Regional Programs, Jeff Woodford, Cass County Veterans Service Officer, Bob Nelson, Crow Wing County Veterans Service Officer, Kelly McAllister - NJPA Contract Administrator

STAPLES, Minn. (13 October 2016) - A number of local Veterans projects are getting a shot in the arm thanks to innovation funding support from National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA). Veterans service officers and other veterans group members from across the region were on hand this week to accept a check for $50,000 designated for projects in Minnesota Region 5, which includes Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties.

Randall Veterans of Foreign Wars, Curtis-Olson Post #9073 will use $5,000 of the funding to move a veteran's memorial from its current location by the Randall water tower to a more visible location. Wadena County is using $15,000 to construct a veterans' park. Cass County will receive $5,000 for Veteran grave upkeep and headstone repair. Likewise, Todd County will use $10,000 in funding to address gravestones and monuments in need of repair at the Grand Army of the Republic and United States Civil War grave yards. Crow Wing County will receive $15,000 to help replace a van used for disabled veterans in the central Minnesota area. Todd and Wadena counties will administer the funds for all of the projects.

NJPA City and County Solutions Manager Anna Gruber says, “The projects are a great example of collaboration from conversations happening across our region. It is inspiring to see counties thinking about how they can approach mutual concerns. We are proud to support these valuable projects.”

September 2016 - The Wadena County Veterans Memorial starts to take shape with large pieces of granite being delivered and placed

 

The granite wall features veterans' names and is one of the projects supported through the innovation funding

NJPA's Innovation Funding was created to help public agencies in Region 5 fund initiatives aimed at creating collaboration and improving the region. The formula for the program promotes "outside-of-the-box" collaboration on projects that might otherwise not get off the ground.

These awards are not intended to support single individuals, organizations, or communities. They are intended to sup-port region-wide initiatives, consortiums, and collaborations impacting many people and serving a greater public pur-pose. The projects are selected by our members, and NJPA provides financial and logistical support to ensure successful regional impact. This annual funding opportunity is in its third year; with $307,000 awarded in 2014, $411,933 awarded in 2015, and $350,000 awarded in 2016.

**NJPA is a service cooperative providing funding support for Region 5 public projects and initiatives through Innovation Funding and shared services. The support is not considered a grant.**

About NJPA

Sourcewell (formerly National Joint Powers Alliance) is a self-supporting government organization, partnering with education, government, and nonprofits to boost student and community success. Created in 1978 as one of Minnesota's nine service cooperatives, we offer training and shared services to our central-Minnesota members. Throughout North America, we offer a cooperative purchasing program with over 200 awarded vendors on contract. Sourcewell is driven by service and the ability to strategically reinvest in member communities.