USDA Rural Development - Committed to the future of rural communities
Building North Dakota
  

State Director Jasper Schneider
Greetings,


Ag OutlookLast week I was in Washington, DC to meet with the other State
Directors from across the country and to attend the annual USDA
Agriculture Outlook conference. One of the primary topics of
discussion was the budget uncertainty created by the potential of sequestration. USDA has been very proactive in addressing the realities of reduced federal budgets and continued uncertainty. In my tenure at USDA in North Dakota, we have reduced our operating budget and staffing each year. In addition, we have streamlined program delivery and restructured our staff to improve efficiencies in how we operate. Despite the challenging times, we have positioned ourselves well to embrace even further cuts while still delivering the program dollars that are so important to building up North Dakota's infrastructure.

Agriculture continues to be North Dakota's top industry and a bright spot in the national economic recovery. There was a report out this
week in local media that agriculture is a $35 billion industry in North Dakota and continues to be the economic engine of the state. At USDA, we are committed to supporting all our rural industries including agriculture, energy production and manufacturing. Even with
uncertain federal budgets, our team at USDA is driven to continue to meet the demands of a growing state.

                                  - Jasper Schneider

Green Iron   
Farm Equipment Dealership Expands
 
After 40 years, the John Deere dealership in Ashley, North Dakota has moved, but not far. About a mile down the road, over 250 people recently gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Green Iron Equipment's new $2 million facility. USDA Rural Development helped finance the project by partnering with a local cooperative, KEM Electric. Through the Rural Economic Development Loan Program, Green Iron Equipment received a $740,000. Read the story on the Rural Development blog.
Upcoming Events
 
      UPCOMING
         DATES        

MINOT & CROSBY
 
$41 million in financing to improve electric services 
 

electric
Two electric cooperatives, Burke-Divide and Central Power, will receive loan guarantees to improve generation and transmission facilities and implement smart grid technologies.

 

"With tremendous growth, expanding and improving our electric infrastructure is critical," Schneider said. "This financing will provide the capital for reliable and affordable service while supporting economic development." Read news release and watch the KMOT-TV story.

 


BISMARCK
 
27th Annual Water Expo 
 

Water Expo    

Jasper Schneider helped open the 27th Annual Water Expo in Bismarck by welcoming the participants. Mark Wax and Rod Beck with USDA Rural Development also participated on a panel. They presented on Rural Development's programs to help with water and wastewater projects. The expo extended over three days and was well attended.


FARGO
 
2nd Annual ND Human Rights Coalition Summit    

 

 

The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition (NDHRC) held their second annual summit in Fargo. The theme of the summit was "Every North Dakota Deserves a Home." Presenters focused on the housing issues across the state. Jasper Schneider was the summit's keynote speaker.    


PROGRAM UPDATES
  
Housing Refinance Pilot Program:The program enables current USDA borrowers to save money on housing costs by refinancing their mortgages with lower interest rates. To be eligible, borrowers must have a loan through the USDA Single Family Housing Direct or Guaranteed program. Participants must meet income requirements and have made their mortgage payments on time for 12 consecutive months. Read more or call (701) 530-2037. 
 
Community Programs: Rural communities are faced with many challenges. One of these challenges is keeping up with the technological advancements of emergency vehicles and the equipment needed to operate them. To help provide essential community services, the Community Facilities Program offers low-interest loans and grants. Applicants may apply for financing directly from Rural Development or they may partner with a private lender. To learn more about financing options and eligibility, please click here or contact [email protected]  
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To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410 Or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). "USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

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