Written by Jane Grant, Public Information Officer
The spirit of the first Earth Day, 40 years ago, continued this year in Finley as North Dakota Rural Development State Director Jasper Schneider joined Rural Utilities Representative John Padalino, Finley Mayor Larry Amundson, local leaders, and Finley school children and the community to celebrate the announcement of a water and environmental project totaling $1.7 million.
“USDA Rural Development is proud to be a partner in this project helping the city of Finley build and upgrade essential infrastructure demonstrating President Obama’s continued efforts to improve the quality of life for rural residents,” State Director Schneider said.
Manholes, sewer mains and sewer lines will be replaced, improving water quality for Finley residents.
The school children played a major role in celebrating Earth Day starting with Boy Scouts presenting the colors and the students leading the Pledge of Allegiance. They shared their ideas and rapped a song about how each person can play a role in creating a cleaner, healthier planet. To demonstrate their commitment to the planet, the students walked back to school picking up trash along the way.
An American Linden tree was planted in Centennial Park, to serve as a reminder of Earth Day 2010.
North Dakota Rural Development State Director Jasper Schneider (left) shovels during a tree planting ceremony celebrating Earth Day 2010, in Finley, ND. Assisting are Finley Mayor Larry Amundson (center) and Special Assistant for Rural Utilities John Padalino (right).