USDA Rural Development today released a progress report highlighting investments made in North Dakota throughout Fiscal Year 2015. During that timeframe, Rural Development invested $301 million in economic development projects across North Dakota.
“Working with numerous partners, communities and tribes, we are able to pitch in and join forces with financial and technical resources to grow economic opportunities and improve the quality of life in our state,” said Ryan Taylor, USDA Rural Development state director. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done together to build new health care facilities and child care centers; support small businesses; extend fiber optic broadband; and create affordable housing options for families and people who need it.”
The report outlines significant investments made by Rural Development in the following areas:
• Business and Cooperative Development: $14.5 million invested to establish businesses that help diversify rural economies and provide employment opportunities.
• Housing: $66 million invested to provide affordable housing and rental opportunities.
• Community Facilities: $31 million invested in essential community buildings and services such as hospitals, long-term care facilities and fire stations.
• Rural Utilities: $189.8 million to build-out broadband infrastructure, to deliver reliable electricity and to develop safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems.
The report also highlights several projects that USDA partnered to complete over the last year including: a veterinary clinic in Hettinger, a home purchase and repair, a head start facility on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation and distance learning equipment for rural schools. With over 40 financial programs, Rural Development offers competitive grant opportunities and abundantly invests in projects through direct or guaranteed loans.
USDA Rural Development has 44 employees in five offices across North Dakota and manages a loan portfolio of nearly $3 billion. The agency’s mission is to improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Applications are being accepted now for the development of businesses, essential facilities, housing and utility infrastructure. View the full progress report at http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/ND_ProgressReport_2015.pdf.