Press Release 1-17-08

Government of Iceland Donates $75,000 to Mountain Community Center

The Mountain Community Center Capital Campaign Committee has announced that the Government of Iceland has approved a major contribution to the Community Center project. Iceland’s Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde attended the 108th Annual Deuce of August Icelandic Celebration in Mountain in August of 2007 and learned of the project. The Committee submitted a request for funding following his visit and the Government of Iceland recently approved a $75,000 contribution for the project. In announcing the contribution, Prime Minister Haarde said, "The Government of Iceland is pleased to support this very worthwhile project. The ongoing effort by our family and friends in North Dakota to preserve and honor their rich and unique Icelandic heritage, history and culture is an inspiration to the people of Iceland. We recognize the necessity of this project and the commitment of those who are involved in the planning and fundraising, and we feel that it is important for us to assist them in their efforts." Prime Minister Haarde has twice visited North Dakota and taken part in the annual Icelandic Celebration in Mountain, first in 2004 in his capacity as Iceland’s Finance Minister, and most recently during the 2007 Celebration. Tim Moore, Capital Campaign Committee Co-Chairman and Mountain Mayor, said, “This contribution is a big step forward for our fundraising effort, and we are very thankful for this strong support from Iceland. Our project is designed to serve not only the needs of the community of Mountain, but will have the capability to serve as a regional center for a variety of needs and events.” Curtis Olafson, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the Committee said, “This very generous contribution is greatly appreciated, and came about as a result of the close bonds that have developed over the years between the people of Iceland and the people of Icelandic descent here in North Dakota. We are privileged to have hosted many tour groups, guests, and dignitaries from Iceland over the years, and they are fascinated with our area and our way of life. More importantly, they are moved by our passion for celebrating and preserving our Icelandic heritage.” The Committee will continue its fundraising effort to reach the goal of matching the $676,000 in federal grants which have been approved for the project. The public fundraising effort was launched in July of 2007 and is now approaching the $300,000 mark in funds which have been donated or pledged and will be used to match the federal dollars. The projected cost of the new building is $1,260,000. The Capital Campaign Committee sincerely appreciates the support received from all donors. For further information on supporting this project, visit the fundraiser website at www.mountainnd.com

Loretta Bernhoft, Iceland's Honorary Consul to North Dakota, presents a check on behalf of the Government of Iceland to Mountain Mayor and Capital Campaign Co-Chairman Tim Moore, (pictured center) and Capital Campaign Co-Chairman Curtis Olafson Photo by Shirley J. Olgeirson

Press Release 10-1-07

The Mountain Community Center project recently received some very exciting news.  The project was approved for a USDA Rural Business Enterprise grant in the amount of $245,000.  The latest grant, when added to the two federal grants awarded earlier, brings the total of federal grants to $676,000.  The three federal grants were secured by the city of Mountain with the assistance of the Red River Regional Council.  It is very important to note that these grants require a dollar-for-dollar match from local sources, and the grant amount eventually awarded could be a lesser amount depending on the final cost of the building project.     

The project has also been approved for a $25,000 North Dakota Commerce Department grant.  At this time, the local fundraising effort is over the $100,000 mark and growing daily. 

The estimated cost for a turnkey, fully-furnished building is $1,260,000, and is subject to change during the bid-letting process.  To learn more about the project, visit the website at www.mountainnd.com or call the Capital Campaign Co-Chairmen, Tim Moore at 701-993-8370 or Curtis Olafson at 701-993-8240.