BISMARCK, N.D., Aug. 28, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Erin Oban today announced that USDA is investing over $10 million to help rural cooperatives and utilities build and improve electric infrastructure and increase electric grid reliability and security in rural North Dakota.
“The opportunities available through USDA Rural Development to build stronger economies, improve critical infrastructure, and support the needs of rural communities make positive impacts for North Dakotans every single day,” said Oban. “The investments announced today represent a clear commitment to rural people and places. From one corner of our state to the other, the projects supported by USDA Rural Development strengthen our roads, water systems, and local food supply chain, keeping good jobs and maintaining the quality of life in our hometowns.”
In North Dakota:
- United Telephone Mutual Aid Corporation will use a $1,500,000 loan to assist Langdon Locker LLC with the expansion of their operations through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program. Langdon Locker LLC is a sausage production facility located in Langdon. This will allow them to process and store more products for individuals and commercial buyers.
- The City of Larimore will use a $8,787,000 loan to reconstruct the streets serving the city through the Community Facilities Program. There are approximately 11 miles of residential streets that need reconstruction. The streets vary in condition but are generally poor. Potholes, uneven patches, and rutting have resulted in low performance and uneven riding conditions. There is also a lack of crown and grade of the streets.
- The City of Elgin will use a $322,000 grant and a $262,000 loan to replace and repair the water distribution and wastewater collection systems a portion of the city through the Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loan and Grant Program. It is a priority to remove Asbestos Cement Pipe before the asbestos fibers can pollute the water supply. There have also been water main breaks on areas of ACP. The systems currently in place are beyond the design life.
Today’s announcement further advances the groundbreaking Biden-Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan with $78 million in new awards for lead pipe remediation. With up to 10 million American households connecting to water through lead pipes and service lines, the Administration is working aggressively to replace all lead service lines in America in the next decade. USDA is partnering with communities to address this challenge through its various programs.
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 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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