BISMARCK, N.D., Dec. 06, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Erin Oban today announced that the Department is investing over $4 million to help create new and better market opportunities and expand essential services for rural people, businesses and entrepreneurs in North Dakota
“USDA Rural Development is committed to the mission of improving the economy and quality of life in rural communities,” said Oban. “One of the most direct and effective ways we can deliver on that mission is by investing in North Dakota’s small businesses and those that serve them. Ensuring that financing is accessible and available in rural areas allows these small businesses to expand, supports good jobs for our friends and family, and keeps local dollars circulating on our main streets and in our hometowns.”
The funding will help keep resources and wealth made by rural people right at home through affordable financing and technical assistance. It will help rural Americans start businesses and allow small business owners to grow. It will also open the door to new economic opportunities for communities and people who historically have lacked access to critical resources and financing.
In North Dakota:
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The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives will use a $200,000 grant to provide technical assistance to cooperatives and mutually owned businesses to service rural areas of North Dakota. The support offered from this investment will help improve the quality of life and economic conditions of rural areas through cooperative development in North Dakota. The project is expected to create 25 jobs and save 50 more.
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Gordy’s Inc. will use a $2,500,000 loan to assist with the expansion and remodeling of a convenience store in Casselton. These funds will also provide additional gasoline pumps and new signage that will be visible from Interstate 94. This will enable the business to fund its growth into the future and assist in saving 12 jobs while creating three new positions.
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Northern Plains Electric Cooperative will use a $559,722 loan to assist Jamestown Rural Fire Department in the acquisition of a new pumper truck for its service area. The new equipment will not only enable the Department to become more efficient but is expected to create one part-time position to the current staff of 33.
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Northern Plains Electric Cooperative will use an $877,464 loan to assist Mainsaver-North Central Inc. in the acquisition of equipment for expansion of its services at its headquarters in Jamestown. Mainsaver-North Central Inc. is a full-service trenchless sewer pipe lining service. The new equipment will not only enable the company to expand its service area but is expected to add five full-time positions to its existing staff of 14.
Background:
USDA is making 242 awards across 47 states, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands through eight programs specifically designed to create economic opportunities for people and businesses in rural areas. These programs are the Biofuel Producer Relief Payments Program, Business and Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantees, Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program, Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program, the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program, Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grants program, the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program and the Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees.
The awards are being made in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, Guam and the Virgin Islands.
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 www.rd.usda.gov/nd.