Main building at abandoned San Haven sanatorium, Dunseith, ND Photo courtesy Ghosts of North Dakota
BISMARCK (KCND KFGO) – The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded “Brownfields” grants to three North Dakota projects.
“We provide mostly grants and technical assistance to communities, to conduct environmental assessments and environmental cleanups, so the properties can be reused and put into productive use,” said EPA Brownfields project manager Ted Lanzano, from Denver.
One of the grants awarded was $500,000 to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. It will help the tribe in the demolition of the old San Haven Hospital buildings, a former tuberculosis sanatorium near Dunseith. In the late 1940s transitioned to be a home for people with developmental disabilities. It was closed in 1987.
“It’s a real hazard,” Lanzano said. “There’s quite a bit of asbestos contamination in the building right now. And this grant will be used to complete all the abatements, so the building can be demolished.”
Lanzano said the Tribe wants to use the grounds for tourist purposes – initially, for camping and RV parking, because it’s close to the International Peace Garden.
Another grant for $358,500 has been awarded to the Dakota College at Bottineau, to clean up contamination in the Old Main and Milligan Hall buildings.
Mandan will receive $300,000 to conduct environmental assessments in some downtown buildings, including former gas stations and dry cleaners.
Comments