The North Dakota Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the Lewis and Clark Regional Council, has provided a $110,000 grant to the City of Beulah that will be a loan to VKS Pizza Ranch, Inc. to purchase equipment.

Renovations are taking place on the interior and exterior of a vacant building in downtown Beulah where the new Pizza Ranch will be located. The business will hire two full-time and 25 part-time employees and is anticipated to open Sept. 3.

“The building that the Pizza Ranch will be located in has been vacant for quite some time,” said Brent Ekstrom of the Lewis and Clark Regional Council. “It’s not only nice to see the building being put to use again, but the biggest benefit is that it is creating new jobs for people in the community.”

Funds for the project will be used to purchase everything from new kitchen and computer equipment to tables and chairs. There are currently eleven Pizza Ranch locations in North Dakota, with franchises in eight states.

Funds for the project came from the Community Development Block Grant program managed by the North Dakota Department of Commerce. The program provides financial assistance to eligible cities and counties in North Dakota. The eight regional planning councils receive an allocation from the state to fund projects in their region.

Funds are awarded in the form of grants and loans in three categories: economic development projects, public facilities and housing. Primary beneficiaries of the CDBG funds are low- and moderate-income individuals. To apply, applicants must contact the regional council in their area.

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