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USDA Reveals Five Years of Investments During Historic Growth Period

Name
Samantha Evenson
Email
samantha.evenson@nd.usda.gov
Phone
(701) 893-2220
City
Bismarck
Release Date

USDA Rural Development today released a progress report highlighting investments made in North Dakota since 2009. During this time, the state was going through a historic growth period and Rural Development helped support that progress by investing more than $2.8 billion in North Dakota. 

“Over the last five years, strategic investments through USDA have helped the state meet the demands of industry and population growth, while laying the foundation for economic success,” said Jasper Schneider, USDA Rural Development state director. “By partnering with individuals, businesses and communities, we have been able to build-out critical infrastructure and spur economic activity.”  

The report spotlights significant investments made by Rural Development in the following areas:

  • Healthcare and Community Facilities: $162 million invested in essential community buildings and services.
  • Housing: $341 million invested to provide affordable housing and rental opportunities to attract and retain a workforce.  
  • Broadband: $294 million invested to build-out broadband infrastructure. As a result, North Dakota has more square miles of fiber networks than any other state in the country. 
  • Business Development: $118 million invested to establish businesses that help diversify rural economies and provide employment opportunities. 
  • Water Services: $97 million invested to develop safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems.
  • Electric Utilities: $1.8 billion invested in infrastructure to deliver stable, reliable and affordable electricity.

 

The progress report further outlines efforts to deploy resources in western North Dakota and participation in strategic planning. With over 40 financial programs, Rural Development offers grants, but the majority of projects are financed through direct or guaranteed loans. 

USDA Rural Development has 42 employees in six offices across North Dakota and manages a loan portfolio of over $3 billion. The agency’s mission is to improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. The progress report may be found at http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/ND_ProgressReport_2014.pdf.