BISMARCK, N.D. Nov. 15, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Erin Oban joined local and state elected officials and key organizational leaders from ND for a convening at the White House to speak with senior members of the Biden-Harris Administration on the investments and impacts to North Dakota communities. Administration officials in attendance included: Secretary Tom Vilsack, USDA, Neera Tanden, Director of the US Domestic Policy Council, Tom Perez, Senior Advisor to the President, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Ali Zaidi, National Climate Advisor, White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy.
"These small, state-level convenings held alongside President Biden’s cabinet officials are incredible opportunities to learn more about the historic investments being made in infrastructure, nutrition and food supply chains, small businesses, and health care access that are improving our economy and the lives of children, families, and our aging friends and neighbors all across the country,” said Oban. “But just as importantly, it gave leaders in North Dakota the chance to share very specific examples of ways that significant pieces of federal legislation are leading to positive results across our state. From permanent flood protection in Fargo, to rural hospitals and care facilities in Cando, Cooperstown, Rugby, and Jamestown, to high-speed internet soon delivered to farmsteads near Alexander, the priorities of this Administration, with bipartisan support from Congress, are investing in communities and generations of North Dakotans, regardless of zip code.”
Background: Communities in Action
The Communities in Action event was formed for states to have more directed conversations on their states’ needs and how the administration is working hand in hand with them to meet their needs. During this event, topics will include the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Investing in America Agenda, and how it is benefitting North Dakota. The Administration has hosted over a dozen of these events to address state needs more specifically.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In 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.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, 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 health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit rd.usda.gov.
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