Building North Dakota

State Director Jasper Schneider

I am pleased to share with you our annual progress report that highlights the work we do at USDA. Following up on the feedback from the North Dakota 2.0 initiative, we have put a special emphasis on building out the infrastructure in our oil and gas producing counties. Basic utilities such as electric, telecom and water systems are the foundation of a community and business development. These critical investments help support our population growth and private-sector investment.

With our Rural Housing Service, we have focused on continuing to be part of the housing solution by financing and partnering on building single family homes and multi-family housing projects across the state. Our efforts have also focused on modernizing our healthcare infrastructure by partnering to build new hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities that support our growing communities and seniors.

Engaging our partners and the public on where these important resources are being utilized is the goal of our report. We've also recently launched an official Twitter account so our progress can be followed on a more regular basis. It continues to be a real honor to represent North Dakota in these efforts and to work with some incredible coworkers and partners that make it all happen.

- Jasper

Significant investments made in North Dakota

USDA Rural Development released a progress report highlighting the agency's impact across North Dakota. Over the past year, $506 million has been invested in the state to grow communities and build infrastructure. Below are links to interviews on USDA's efforts.

Bismarck Tribune: Investing in the Bakken

Jamestown Sun: Positive future for Stutsman

The Forum: Rural investments top $500 million

KFGO Radio: Report shows investments

Click on report to view.

USDA investment in Minn-Dak pays off

Wahpeton Daily News

Parker Thilmony, vice president of factory operations at Minn-Dak Farmer's Cooperative and Jasper Schneider wait for a sample of sugar.

By Matthew Liedke: USDA Rural Development financed $1 million in a partnership with Minn-Dak and Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative. Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative is using the funds for its molasses de-sugarization project, which will allow greater sugar extraction at the plant. The plant employs 500 people and the expansion will add 20 more employees. Read article.

Health Center to break ground soon on new nursing home and clinic

Richardton

Richardton Health Center will break ground this spring on a new nursing home and clinic. The existing facility was built in 1950 originally as a hospital and more recently remodeled as a nursing home. The building's construction makes remodeling again difficult and not cost effective. Also, the current clinic is not attached, but sits across the street.

The new facility will offer medical conveniences, an efficient layout and private rooms. There will be 24-beds in the nursing with much needed common area space. The picture to the right was taken in front of the building site and includes Alan O'Neil, Health Management Services; Jasper Schneider, USDA; Clare Messmer, Health Center board president; and Mark, Health Management Services.

Follow us on Twitter

You can now follow Rural Development on Twitter at the following link: @RD_NorthDakota. We will communicate timely information on program funding, application deadlines, events, projects and spotlight some of our travel around the state.

Program Announcements

Value Added Producer Grant Deadline Extended: We are still accepting applications for the VAPG program, which seeks to help agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based products. Please call our office at (701) 530-2037 with questions.

Financing Available for 2014: Loan and grant funding is available for essential community infrastructure. This includes facilities such as: hospitals, nursing homes, emergency vehicles, civic structures, child care centers and much more. Public entities and non-profits interested are highly encouraged to submit applications. For more information visit our website or contact mark.wax@nd.usda.gov.

Deadlines & Events

Extended: Value Added Producer Grant application deadline.
March 18-20: Transportation and Trade Summit in Bismarck
March 20-21: Pride of Dakota annual meeting
April 3: NoDak Electric Cooperative annual meeting

Website Contact Us News NOFAs Forms Progress Report

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."