Dear Friends of Rural Development,
 
I'm always honored when I'm asked to speak to a group about the work of Rural Development, and I'm excited to tell the story about an agency and a team that helped invest more than $300 million in North Dakota last year through our loan, grant and loan guarantee programs. In the last month, I've had the chance to speak to civic leaders at a Rotary Club, a big group of retirees at an AmVets Club breakfast, Native American partners in housing development, rural health advocates and practitioners, and more. I take these opportunities to speak and share because I believe in the work we do here at Rural Development. I want people to know about the projects that we help make possible, and the programs funded under our section of the Farm Bill that help make things happen in our state's rural communities.
 
I know our programs, often times, make the difference in building a rural hospital or child care center, increasing the availability of affordable housing, stringing the electrical wires and plowing in the broadband fiber that keep our rural areas connected, vibrant and contributing to the greater good. As you learn more about our programs, let us know if they might be a match for a vision you have in your community. If you're not sure, ask us, and we'll help you walk through the 'winter application season.' It's a good time to dream, and with a little collaborative effort, it's an even better time to make those dreams a reality.
 
Proud to be a partner,

Ryan
 
IN THIS ISSUE...






CALENDAR... 

Dec. 2: Farmland movie showing, Fargo.


Feb. 16-17: Statewide Housing Conference, Bismarck
 
Feb. 16-18: Rural Water Expo, Fargo. 
Business
Submit Your Business Application! 

Rural Business Development Grants: the program is designed to support activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues.

Application Deadline: the deadline for Native American set-aside funding is March 30, 2016. All other applications are due by May 2, 2016. 

Project Examples: grants can be used to acquire or develop land, buildings, plants and equipment; build or improve access roads, parking areas, utility extensions, and water and waste disposal facilities; provide technical assistance; establish revolving loan funds; and to support rural distance learning programs that provide educational or job training.

Program has been used around the state to:
  • conduct a feasibility study for a building in downtown Bowman;
  • purchase refrigeration equipment to lease back to local grocery store in New England;
  • renovate a building to establish a food hub in Anamoose;
  • provide technical assistance for small business development on the Turtle Mountain Reservation;
  • establish a revolving loan fund to provide financial assistance to businesses in Towner County; and
  • develop a 5-year strategic plan for CONAC and Southwest REAP Zones.

More information: visit our program webpage or contact Denise Sundeen at denise.sundeen@nd.usda.gov. You may also call our office at (701) 530-2037.   

 
 
HillHill Top Home of Comfort


Architectural rendering of Hill Top Home of Comfort.
The long-term care facility, Hill Top Home of Comfort, in Killdeer has broken ground on a $4.3 million addition. The expansion will help meet the needs of the community and surrounding area by offering more rooms where people can receive care close to home. USDA Rural Development is providing a $3.5 million loan in support of the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2016. Read more in the Dickinson Press article.    


 
ProjectProject Announcements


Distance Learning Grants: the North Dakota University System and the ND Educational Technology Council received $740,000 in grant funding to expand access to educational opportunities in schools around the state. The projects will upgrade video-teleconferencing equipment, replace failing devices and expand access to state-of-the-art distance learning technology. The new equipment will leverage the state's existing high-capacity broadband network, which will deliver a more interactive educational experience to students and teachers via the Internet. Learn more. 

Value-Added Producer Grants: three recipients received $124,000 in grants to help grow and diversify their operations. The funding will support expanding market opportunities and developing new products, which will increase revenue for their businesses. Read more. 

Rural Energy for America Program: 13 recipients across North Dakota have been selected to receive grants that will help implement renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in their business operations. The funding announcement includes projects such as: installing geothermal systems for a new veterinary clinic and a farm shop, setting up a solar electric generation system, and replacing old, inefficient grain dryers, which will deliver energy and cost savings while preserving higher yields. Read more. 

 
 

ManagersCelebrating Our Managers of the Year


Koetz receives award.

Phyllis Koetz was recognized by USDA Rural Development as the North Dakota Residential Site Manager of the Year for her dedication and care of the tenants at the Leonard Southside Apartments. For 20 years, Phyllis has provided an invaluable service to improve the quality of life at the USDA-financed apartments. Phyllis will be retiring as manager in January.

In the picture, State Director Taylor presents Phyllis her award along with her husband, Roger Koetz.



 

Hage receives award.

Mary Hager was recognized by USDA Rural Development as the North Dakota Group Home Site Manager of the Year for her dedication and care of the tenants at the Jackson Group Home in Harvey. Over the last 5 years, Mary has provided an invaluable service to improve the quality of life at the USDA-financed group home.

Pictured from left to right: Tim Huseth, HAV-IT Services Executive Director; Ryan Taylor, USDA state director; Mary Hager; HAV-IT Services Residential Manager and award recipient; and Nita Brainard, HAV-IT Services Coordinator.
 


Hendricks receives award.

Jeff Hendricks was recognized by USDA Rural Development as the North Dakota Maintenance Person of the Year for his dedication and care of the Wilton Community Progress Corporation properties. Over the last 5 years, he haskept the properties in pristine condition and goes above and beyond to meet the needs and requests of tenants.


In the photo from left to right: Carol Herner, property manager; Jeff Hendricks, USDA Maintenance Person of the Year; Ryan Taylor, USDA state director; and Jim Porter, President of the Wilton Community Progress Corporation's Board.
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