The project is a new 51,000 sq. ft. health clinic and recreation center (Wellness Center) focused on increasing the life expectancy for tribal members. Life expectancy for a tribal member is 59 years vs. 78.5 years for the rest of Montana. After years of community input, public meeting and capital raising, the project was made a reality with the help of New Markets Tax Credits. Construction on a $23 million Wellness Center on the Fort Peck Reservation in Poplar, Montana is underway and scheduled for completion in 2022.
Once completed, the new Wellness Center will create 70 new full-time (FTE) jobs. The 50,000 sq. ft. Wellness Center offers medical, dental, and therapy rooms, including telehealth rooms for patients and offices for providers. The Center will also house a gym, a pool, a childcare center, and a space for cultural programs.
After a standstill due to budgeting concerns, progress is being made once again thanks to financing from the two Fort Peck tribes-the Assiniboine and the Sioux-and the NMTC Program. NMTC financing was provided by CDE MoFi.