GRAFTON, N.D. — The Walsh County Childcare Center has received the Economic Development Association of North Dakota’s 2026 Community Development Award. The project was recognized and presented to the Walsh County Job Development Authority at the State of Region 4 event in Minto on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Led by the Walsh County JDA, the $1.38 million project transformed an existing 5,000-square-foot office building in Grafton into a childcare center licensed for 65 children.
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In 2024, the county was considered a childcare desert.
“Prior to and during the project we heard many, many specific examples from our employers about potential employees unable to accept job offers and move to Walsh County due to the inability to find childcare,” Walsh County JDA Executive Director Stacie Sevigny said. “The lack of quality childcare capacity is literally affecting every sector of our business community.”
The JDA was recognized by the EDND for its leadership in “addressing a critical childcare shortage.” The nomination highlighted the extensive research, planning, collaboration and fundraising required to bring the project to completion.
“This year, the Community Development Award was...