Dear friends of Rural Development,

A meaningful career, a good family life, a successful community-all good things that we aspire to, and they all depend, in part, on solid, dependable connections. The connections that make for good communities, careers and families are often pretty close, usually personal and face-to-face. But sometimes the connections are made across the miles, aided by technology, and they're just as important to the relationships that make everything else possible.

In education, USDA Rural Development helps students and educators make the classroom connections that prepare students for successful careers as they go out to build communities and establish families. Through our Distance Learning grant program, we help rural students gain access to the same enlightening classes taught by dedicated teachers that are easily found in more urban areas. Using grant-purchased technology, and much of the fiber optic infrastructure that we've invested in heavily through our USDA Rural Utilities Service programs, our rural students have the opportunity for an education that is just as broad and robust as anywhere in the world. Our zip codes shouldn't limit our opportunities. We're proudly ensuring greater access and opportunity with grants like we recently announced in New Salem.

During the holiday season, we are all reminded of the importance of connections as we gather with family and friends to celebrate Christmas and our winter holidays, ringing in the hope and promise of the New Year. I value all the relationships we enjoyed among the various partners of Rural Development in 2015, and look forward to a happy and connected New Year with all of you in 2016.

Wishing you the season's best,

Ryan

IN THIS ISSUE...

CALENDAR...

Jan. 13: Rural Grocer's Meeting, Mandan.

Feb. 1: REAP Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance grant deadline.

Feb. 16-17: Statewide Housing Conference, Bismarck

Feb. 16-18: Rural Water Expo, Fargo.

Feb.23: Promise Zone final round application deadline.

Students See the Learning Benefits

Mr. VanderWal teaches a psychology course at the New Salem-Almont High School while students in Elgin, Killdeer and Linton tune in as well.

Using interactive television, students across the state are benefiting from the modern technology that allows them to take a variety of high-quality courses without regard to the teacher's location. To help make this possible, USDA Rural Development is funding $740,000 in distance learning equipment. For more, watch the KXNews story.

Tioga Medical Center Completes New Facility

Architectural rendering of the Tioga Medical Center.

The Tioga Medical Center recently finished their new clinic, which doubled the size of their previous facility. To help fund the project, USDA provided a $1.5 million loan guarantee through the Bank of Tioga. In celebration, a grand opening was held. Read more about the event.

North Dakota Rural Grocers Meeting

A meeting is being held on January 14th in effort to help rural North Dakota grocery stores not only keep their doors open, but succeed. Statistics, ideas and insights will be shared among participants. If interested in attending, view the flyer for more information.

Seeking Water Applications for 2016!

Program: the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides loans and grants for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in rural areas with a population of 10,000 or less. In some cases, funding may also be available for related activities such as legal and engineering fees, land acquisition, water and land rights, permits and equipment and other activities necessary to complete a project.

Eligible Applicants: state and local governmental entities, private non-profits, and federally-recognized tribes who are unable to obtain commercial credit.

Interests rates reduced: effective January 1, 2016, interest rates are lowering by .125% as follows.

Poverty: 1.875%
Intermediate: 2.500%
Market: 3.125%

How to Apply: apply now by using the online application tool RDApply.

Project Announcements

Healthcare: using the Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan program, Northland Health Partners Community Health Center in Ray will receive $600,000 to renovate a medical and dental clinic.

Daycare: using the Community Facilities Direct Loan program, Sonshine Center in Casselton will receive a $969,000 direct loan to build a new daycare facility.

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."