SWO EXECUTIVES

Our Chief Financial Officer Trainee, Jaime Renville, has been meeting weekly with our auditor to finalize the FY2021 audit. Despite the contract signed by our audit prep consultant in Fall 2022, they failed to fulfill any obligations, causing issues with multiple agencies. As a result, SWO is pursuing legal action against the company.

To resolve these delays, we hired a third consultant, who has already completed most pending tasks and is working on-site bi-weekly.

Regarding Indirect Costs:
✔ FY2022 and FY2023 have been completed and approved.
✔ FY2024 negotiations are awaiting approval.
✔ Once approved, SWO will return to its annual audit schedule.

Monthly Priorities

🔹 Finance: Audits & Indirect Cost
🔹 Solar for All
🔹 Broadband Expansion

Broadband Expansion: NTIA Grant Submission

Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate is excited about our $24.5 million NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Grant application. This grant will enable the construction of 16 cutting-edge 5G towers across our reservation, revolutionizing internet connectivity.

The improved broadband infrastructure will:
✔ Bridge the digital divide for our community.
✔ Enhance online education and remote learning for students.
✔ Expand telehealth services, making healthcare more accessible.
✔ Support local businesses, enabling them to thrive in the digital economy.
✔ Improve emergency response services, ensuring public safety.

We eagerly await the outcome of our submission in the coming months, and we remain hopeful for a positive impact on our community.

Solar for All: Advancing Renewable Energy

The Northern Plains Tribal Coalition (NPTC), representing 14 tribes across the Northern Great Plains, has secured $135,580,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency for residential solar energy projects.

This grant will enable us to:
✔ Install solar panels on approximately 5,000 residential homes, including nursing homes and multigenerational family homes.
✔ Reduce energy costs, fostering energy independence.
✔ Lower utility bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
✔ Create jobs by training local workers in solar panel installation and maintenance.
✔ Promote a sustainable and healthier environment for future generations.

By investing in renewable energy, SWO is taking a step toward economic empowerment and long-term self-sufficiency. This initiative supports sustainability while providing real benefits to our Tribal members.