Building North Dakota

State Director Jasper Schneider

Greetings!

HUD and USDA will be hosting a Federal Housing Training on Tuesday, June 3rd in Fargo. As housing continues to be a top issue across North Dakota communities, this day-long training will focus on Single-Family, Multi-Family and Special Initiatives. We held a similar training in Fargo in 2010 and it was very well attended and received. The target audience is anyone involved in the housing industry including: lenders, realtors, home builders, elected officials, home builders, economic developers, and public housing officials.

There is no cost to attend the training, but pre-registration is required. The HUD/USDA training will be a great opportunity to get important updates on changes to federal housing programs and to network with other housing professionals. The training will also include a federal housing legislative update from representatives of Sen. Hoeven and Sen. Heitkamp's offices.

We hope you can join us! Click here to register. Click here to view itinerary.

- Jasper

FEDERAL HOUSING TRAINING

USDA and HUD will partner to host a one-day training in Fargo on June 3rd.

The training will engage federal agencies with industry partners. Topics will cover housing programs, economic development and special initiatives. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Three Realtor credits will also be offered. Learn more here or register now.

State Director Schneider helps students plant a tree in honor of Earth Day.

Earth Day Celebrated

Linton

To celebrate Earth Day, USDA officials gathered with City of Linton representatives and fourth grade students to plant a tree. The students placed a seven-foot Linden Harvest tree, which was donated by the Emmons County Soil Conservation District, near city hall.

Earth Day is observed annually on April 22 to raise awareness about the role each person can play to protect vital natural resources and safeguard the environment. Since the first Earth Day celebration in 1970, the event has expanded to include participation by citizens and governments in more than 195 countries.

Water Improvement and Expansion Projects Announced

Rural North Dakota

In recognition of Earth Day, Jasper Schneider, USDA Rural Development state director, announced $8 million in financing for five projects to improve water and wastewater services for rural North Dakotans. The $4.3 million in grants and $3.6 million in loans went to projects located in the cities of Rolla, Napoleon, Oakes and Michigan as well as the North Central Water Consortium to expand services to the Berthold and Carpio areas. Read more.

Electric System Improvements

Central Power Electric

Central Power Electric Cooperative received a $29 million loan to support the state's growing electrical demand. The financing will be used to construct a new substation, build out several miles of lines and make upgrades to existing facilities. This will help provide more efficient and reliable services to 25 counties across the central and southeastern portions of North Dakota.

Program Announcements

Business Grant Deadlines

Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG): finances and facilitates the development of small and emerging rural businesses, helps fund distance learning networks, and helps fund employment related adult education programs. Applications are due on July 1st. Click here for details.

Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG): promotes sustainable economic development in rural communities. Applications are due July 13th. Click here for details.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in rural America to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems; make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and facilities; use renewable technologies that reduce energy consumption; and participate in energy audits, renewable energy development assistance, and feasibility studies. Applications for grants due July 7th; loan guarantees July 31st. Click here for details.

Deadlines & Events

June 1: Tribal initiative College Grant deadline. Call USDA office at 701.530.2037.
June 3: Federal Housing training in Fargo. No fee to attend. Register here.
June 4-5: Center for Small Towns Symposium; Morris, MN.
June 18-20: Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health, Grand Forks.
June 20: Aneta Parkview Health Center grand opening for remodel and expansion.

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