A newly constructed care center in Rolette not only provides a new home for 46 long term or rehabilitative care residents, but a significant economic boost to the community as well.

A grand opening was held earlier this month for the Rolette Community Care Center, which included a check presentation from USDA Rural Development for a $6.3 million guaranteed loan. The funds went to help cover the construction costs for the 31,365 square-foot center on the city’s north side.

Andy Gilje, president of the care center’s board of directors, said USDA’s involvement was a big part in making the new facility a reality. He added Rolette State Bank and Bank of North Dakota also stepped up to be lenders for the project.

The center will employ up to 70 people, and that is good news for Rolette and surrounding areas, Gilje said. It’s figured the salaries generated from those employees turns back about $1.6 million per year into the region. The staff not only reside in Rolette, but in other communities, including Rolla, Belcourt, St. John, Dunseith and Rugby. “That’s quite a boost (to the region),’ Gilje said.

The center includes 26 skilled care private rooms and an Alzheimer’s unit with 20 semi-private rooms. It currently is nearly full and replaces an existing building which was obsolete and proved to be cost-prohibitive to maintain. In order to remain competitive with other nursing care centers in the area, a new facility was needed.

Construction was completed last November and the center opened in December. The facility enables residents to remain in the area and close to family and friends rather than having to be placed outside the region.

The non-profit center is expected to cash flow and meet all expenditures at 90 percent occupancy, which is 42 residents.

Jasper Schneider, USDA Rural Development director, and other USDA officials attended the open house. He said the facility will ensure the quality care of life for many residents for another generation.