Upper Sioux Community
Minnesota

The Upper Sioux Community (USC) is a small reservation located in Southwestern Minnesota near the City of Granite Falls. The USC became a federally sponsored reservation for the first time in the 1930’s when the Federal Government purchased 746 acres of land bordering the Minnesota River. 90% of the land is located in the flood plain and the remaining 10% is heavily forested and a very hilly terrain. There were very few sites available for housing or community buildings. The 1990 census lists median household income at $6,741. The USC did not have a community center, only a tribal office building with a small meeting room and a few offices.

In 1991 the USC opened a small gaming operation on the reservation. The gaming venture has increased employment and provided limited revenue for tribal projects. In 1995 the Tribe conducted a member survey to established plan for the future of USC. Additional housing, water service, wastewater service and a community center were identified as priorities. In late 1995, the Tribe purchased 460 acres of land adjoining the reservation. Trust status was obtained in 1998 for the newly acquired land. HUD funded 15 new homes in June 1997 to be built on the newly acquired land. USDA, RUS with HUD and IHS financed a water system in 1998 and a wastewater system in 1999. A new community was starting to take shape.

The members of the USC still needed a place to meet, exercise, play and learn. An application was submitted to HUD and a $300,000 grant was awarded to build a new community center.  HCFP obligated a $575,000, 40 year loan in early 1999. The proposed community center includes 14,090 square feet  and will serve as a multi-purpose center. The facility will be used for meetings, gatherings and recreational activities. The center is being constructed on the newly acquired trust land and will cost $1,575,000. A nearby Sioux Community (Shakopee Mdewakanton) assisted with a grant of $700,000 to complete the financing package.

Construction will be completed soon, allowing the anxious USC members use of the learning center, activity room, kitchen, offices, locker rooms and exercise area. The Community Center is located in the newly developed housing area on the reservation. Population is increasing on the reservation as the new housing, infrastructure, employment opportunities and the Community Center take shape.

By Jim Maras, Program Director, Community Facilities Programs, Minnesota State Office, HCFP, USDA