planning for the future

USDA Rural Development - Committed to the future of rural communities

Building North Dakota

State Director Jasper Schneider

Greetings!

North Dakotans have a long history of controlling their own destiny. It is in this spirit that we launched the initiative called North Dakota 2.0. Our state's unprecedented economic prosperity creates a unique opportunity to write the next chapter of our state. We recently released the final ND 2.0 report that captures the thoughts and ideas of people all across the state. It is my hope that these findings will serve as a guide and resource for building a better North Dakota.

The results found in the report come at an important time. Now, more than ever, we need to be strategic in defining our future and making investments. The findings highlighted in the report come from 14 regional meetings held across the state over the past several months. Two of North Dakota's largest newspapers also weighed in by endorsing the ND 2.0 process and highlighted the importance of planning for the future.

Thank you for your interest and partnership in North Dakota 2.0.

- Jasper Schneider

ND 2.0: THE NEXT CHAPTER

The North Dakota 2.0 initiative released a report, The Next Chaper, stemming from a year-long effort holding 14 regional meetings. Click to read.

PRAIRIE PULSE

Jasper Schneider interviewed about ND 2.0 and USDA Rural Development

STATE NEWSPAPERS WEIGH IN ON NORTH DAKOTA 2.0

Forum Editorial: ND 2.0 more than a snapshot

(June 20, 2012) - North Dakota legislators and other policymakers would do well to take a close look at statistical data compiled in "North Dakota 2.0," a study by USDA Rural Development. The federal agency in partnership with several private-sector partners worked for months gathering sentiments in 14 communities, large and small. The result is an impressive compilation of new data that reflects the changing economy and provide insights into how North Dakotans view the change. Read the full editorial.

Bismarck Editorial: Time to shape N.D.'s future

(June 24, 2012) - North Dakotans want to invest some of their newfound wealth in the state's future. The state's citizens first made that case in November 2010, when they voted to create a Legacy Fund. It set aside 30 percent of the state tax revenues from oil and gas production for the future. Voters reaffirmed that forward-looking thinking when they voted not to ban property taxes in the recent statewide primary. And it's a message that comes through in North Dakota 2.0, a strategic planning process driven by USDA Rural Development, along with partners from state government and the private sector. Read the full editorial.

NORTH DAKOTANS WANT IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE, MORE HOUSING

By Nick Smith - Bismarck Tribune

(June 19, 2012) - North Dakotans would like to see improved infrastructure, additional housing and more surplus dollars invested in their communities. These were some of the major findings of a study released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development as part of its "North Dakota 2.0" initiative. Read article.

PROGRAM UPDATES

Water and Waste Loan Program

The Water & Waste Water loan programs are scheduled to increase interest rates on July 1st, 2012. The Market Rate will be $3.50%. The Poverty and Health Issue interest rate will be 2.125%. The Intermediate Interest Rate will remain the same at 2.75%. Although there will be a slight increase in interest rates, we still will allow a community to stretch its debt payment dollars. Our programs are able to provide direct and guarantee loans and/or grants for many community based projects. All applications are first considered for loan funds based on the ability to repay a debt. Grant funds may be applied to assist with keeping payments in reach of a community's financial resources. Rural communities interested in funding are encouraged to visit our website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/nd or email mark.wax@nd.usda.gov.

Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program

Rural Development is currently accepting applications under a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Section 538 Loan Guarantees under the Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program for Fiscal Year 2012. The Section 538 program provides lenders with loan guarantees up to 90% for new construction and rehabilitation of affordable rural rental housing. Applications are being accepted under this NOFA through December 31, 2012. For more information on this program please contact Steve Lervik at 701-225-9168, Ext. 133, steve.lervik@nd.usda.gov or visit our website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/nd.

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