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Building North Dakota
State Director Jasper Schneider
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At USDA, I spend a lot of time traveling around North Dakota visiting with residents and leaders from communities of all sizes. In listening to their concerns and hopes for their communities, there are many reoccurring themes such as a lack of affordable housing, shortages of daycare, need for infrastructure improvements and water related issues.
Local leadership is often the key to moving a community forward with these challenges. Through USDA Rural Development and other government entities, there are a lot of resources available, but all development has to start at the local level.
Time and time again, it is the Mayor, local business, development person, city council member or other key community leader who has the wherewithal to envision a better tomorrow and inquires about opportunities to assist in the growth of their communities. USDA puts a high value on the partnerships we have with the communities that we serve. Thank you for working with us to build a better North Dakota!
Jasper Schneider
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ND Association of Nonprofit Organizations | |
Fargo, ND
USDA partners with nonprofit organizations on a wide variety of projects. So often, we categorize our economy in terms of public and private sector, but the nopnporfit sector is really the third leg of that stool. Over 10% of North Dakota's workforce is in the nonprofit sector and nonprofits are often the largest employers in their communities. Their efforts fill a much needed void and I appreciate all they do for North Dakota. |
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Wahpeton/Almont | |
USDA provides help with fire protection
I had the opportunity to speak at the annual Firefighters convention in Wahpeton recently. The convention consisted of both full-time and volunteer firefighters from across the state. Through USDA, we have financed a number of fire halls, emergency service centers and fire trucks. In emergency situations, seconds matter and I spoke about the programs available to help our rural fire districts as well as to thank these brave men and women for their service.
We also were in Almont recently for the open house of their new fire and ambulance hall. This project received a large grant through USDA to help complete their local fundraising efforts. The open house was on a Sunday afternoon and we were joined by over 50 local residents for the festivities. The new fire hall services Almont, Glen Ullin, New Salem, Carson and Flasher. Continue reading about Almont project. |
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WILLISTON | |
Trinity Health breaks ground on new clinic
Energy Production in the Williston area has led to an influx of population. With the oil activity and increase in poluation, there is a need for increased services. Access to state-of-the-art medical care is something I put a lot of value in and have made a priority at USDA. Over the past year, we have partnered with Trinity Health to finance a new medical facility and clinic in Williston. Joined by Trinity CEO John Kuch and other hospital employees, we broke ground on the new facility which is expected to be fully completed a little over a year from now. This is an exciting investment into Williston's future and helps address the growing needs of the entire area. Read more |
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Program Updates: | |
Business: The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides financing to Rural Electric and Telephone Cooperatives which are utilized for a wide variety of rural development projects in North Dakota. Funds are currently available and applications are made to the State Office in Bismarck. Funds are borrowed at 0% interest and promote rural economic development and job creation. If there are any questions, please email Dale.VanEckhout@nd.usda.gov or Dennis.Rodin@nd.usda.gov or call the office at 701-530-2065 or 1-800-582-7584 ext. 5.
Housing:The NOFA for loan guarantees under the 538 Multi Family Housing program has come out announcing there is $31 million available for this year. This program is designed to provide housing opportunities for moderate income families, providing a much greater range in incomes than the 515 program. See Federal Register. |
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USDA continues efforts to resolve discrimination claims | |
Notice to Hispanic and/or women farmers or ranchers
As part of continued efforts to close the chapter on allegations of past discrimination at USDA, a series of outreach meetings is being held throughout the country with farmers and ranchers to talk about the process that has been put in place to resolve the claims of Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who assert that they were discriminated against when seeking USDA farm loans.
If you believe that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) improperly denied farm loan benefits to you between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic, or because you are female, you may be eligible to apply for compensation. If you want to register your name to receive a claims packet, you can call the Farmer and Rancher Call Center at 1-888-508-4429 or access the following website:www.farmerclaims.gov. Click link to read news release.
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"USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender".
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave.,
S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800)795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
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Copyright © 2011 USDA Rural Development. All Rights Reserved.
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