progress report 2012

USDA Rural Development - Committed to the future of rural communities

Building North Dakota

State Director Jasper Schneider

Season's Greetings!

I am pleased to bring you our annual progress report to highlight the historic investments being made through USDA Rural Development to build up North Dakota's infrastructure, communities and utilities.

USDA Rural Development is comprised of three different federal agencies: the Rural Housing Service, Rural Business Service and Rural Utilities Service. We have five offices across the state and a team of 45 people who are committed to improving the quality of life in North Dakota.

As the state continues to build on the success of our agriculture, energy and manufacturing industries, it is imperative that we have a strong workforce and thriving communities. Through our programs, Rural Development is proud to partner with many entities to finance the necessary infrastructure that encourages people to live, work, raise families and establish businesses in North Dakota.

I am honored to work with a great team and our many partners. Thank you.

- Jasper Schneider

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT

USDA Rural Development releases progress report highlighting more than $600 million invested in North Dakota.

WILLISTON

Affordable senior housing

Williston seniot housing Lutheran Social Services Housing is transforming the former Williston junior high school into affordable rental housing for seniors. When the renovations are complete, the new building - Legacy Living - will have 44 units, 28 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments. USDA Rural Development partnered on the project by financing a $1.1 million loan guarantee. The apartments are expected to be open by the end of 2013 and will be available for individuals 55 years and older.

MANDAN

Early Childhood Public Policy Summit

Jasper Schneider, USDA Rural Development state director, facilitated the North Dakota Early Childhood Public Policy Summit in Mandan. The summit, which was organized by the North Dakota Head Start Association, brought together service providers and advocates. The goal is to develop a common vision for the state's early childhood investment priorities.

FARGO

NDSU Commodity Trading and Financial Lab

Dr. Wilson provides a demonstration of the commodity trading classroom to the FAC.

The Food and Agriculture Council received a demonstration of the new commodity trading and financial lab at North Dakota State University. The project's goal is to teach about risk related to commodity marketing and financial analysis. The classroom sets up realistic scenarios utilizing technology such as: live feeds to markets and financial information, work stations and electronic trade software.

The Food and Agriculture Council (FAC) is made of federal, state and local agriculture entities with the objective to coordinate interagency activities and to promote the goals of agriculture related industries.

BISMARCK

Ruth Meiers Hospitality House

USDA staff helping at the Ruth Meiers Hospitality House.

USDA Rural Development staff volunteered at the Ruth Meiers Hospitality House in Bismarck. The staff served meals, stocked shelves and put together bags of essentials items for those in need. Thank you all for your generosity.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit the Ruth Meiers Hospitality House website.

PROGRAM UPDATES

Grant Deadline: Applications are being accepted for the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) to assist small and emerging private businesses. Small and emerging private businesses are those that will employ 50 or fewer new employees and have less than $1 million in projected gross revenues. There is no maximum level of grant funding, but generally grants range from $10,000 up to $500,000. For more information and eligible funding uses, please click here. Applications should be submitted to our office by March 15, 2013. For more information, please contact our office at (701) 530-2037 or info@nd.usda.gov.

New Lender Website: The new Lender Education and Awareness Program (LEAP) has been developed online by our Business and Cooperative program section. The LEAP website provides information and resources for current and potential lenders which includes: training modules, lender information packages, updates, announcements and resources. To view the website, please follow the instruction below.

Click on the following link - http://rurdev.usda.gov/Business.html, then click the "For Business Lenders" link in the lower right hand column of the page. To view the energy divisions' LEAP website, please click the following link - http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/Energy.html, then click the "For Energy Lenders" link in the lower right column of the page.

Community Programs: The Community Facility and Water & Waste Water programs have funding to assist rural projects throughout the state. Applications are being accepted for direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants. All projects are first considered for loan funds based on the ability to repay a debt. Grant funds are approved to assist with keeping payments in reach of a community's financial resources. Rural communities interested in the programs are encouraged to visit our website at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/nd or contact mark.wax@nd.usda.gov.

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