BISMARCK, N.D., Oct. 2, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Erin Oban today announced that USDA RD is investing in projects across North Dakota to expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid, safe drinking water and good-paying jobs for people in rural communities. Part of the funding announced today will make water infrastructure in rural areas more resilient to the impacts of climate change and severe weather.
Included in this nationwide announcement are grants and loans totaling nearly $10,000,000 in four projects serving rural areas and communities in eastern and central North Dakota.
“Our work at USDA Rural Development is to be a partner with city leaders in places like Buffalo, New Salem, and Mayville and co-op leaders like those at Cavalier Electric to ensure that crucial federal resources reach, serve, and positively impact our most rural and remote neighbors,” said Oban “Federal investments in North Dakota infrastructure projects relieve some of the financial burdens on local property taxes while also building strong, more resilient communities, supporting successful small businesses, and improving the quality of life for our rural friends and families. Audio:MP3, 790KB, 0:33.
In total, USDA is investing over $5 million today through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program to expand access to clean and reliable drinking water, sanitary waste disposal and storm water drainage for people in North Dakota.
- The City of Buffalo will use an investment of $1,400,000 will be used to install a new 6" PVC force main to replace the existing 4" asbestos cement pipe (ACP) force main from the City of Buffalo's lift station to the lagoons. The proposed force main will parallel the existing force main alignment, which does not currently accommodate demand flow. This project will use a combination of $620,000 in grants and a $780,000 loan to serve the residents of the City of Buffalo, N.D., which has a total population of 195.
- The City of New Salem will use an investment of $3,087,000, a combination of $1,202,000 in grants and $1,885,000 in loans, will be used to replace, and upsize where needed, aged cast iron main and sanitary sewer pipe. New Salem's current infrastructure was mostly installed in the 1940's, is currently 80-90 years old, and is approaching the end of its useful life. This phase of the project will address the infrastructure needs of greatest priority and provide the residents of New Salem with a sustainable water and sewer system for years to come.
- The City of Mayville will use an investment of $752,000, a combination of $320,000 in grants and $432,000 in loans, will be used to replace approximately 12 blocks of Asbestos Cement Pipe on the City of Mayville's water distribution system as well as install approximately seven fire hydrants and repair/replace approximately 15 gate valves throughout the city. Funds will also be used to replace sanitary sewer throughout a stretch of town to remedy a sewer break and extend the sewer system to a portion of town. Mayville's current infrastructure is aging and needs replacement/updating. This project will correct the deficiencies within the city's existing water and sewer systems to provide a long-term solution for their problems and provide reliable services for the city.
Delivering Clean, Reliable Energy
USDA is also providing over $4 million in funding through the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program to help utility providers and electric cooperatives build and improve electric infrastructure and smart-grid technologies in North Dakota.
- The Cavalier Rural Electric Cooperative will use a $4,446,000 loan to connect 85 consumers and build and improve 37 miles of line. This loan includes $489,000 is smart grid technologies. Cavalier Rural Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Langdon, serves an average of 1,614 consumers through 1,379 miles of line through two counties in northeast North Dakota.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and healthcare; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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