BISMARCK, N.D., August 24, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Erin Oban today announced RD is investing nearly $600,000 in critical infrastructure to combat climate change across rural North Dakota.
“USDA Rural Development’s programs help hard-working families, small business owners, and individuals on fixed incomes save money by becoming more energy efficient,” said Oban. “It’s a win-win when we’re able to help people keep money in their pockets at the same time as reducing our collective impacts on the environment.”
These investments reflect the goals of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which addresses immediate economic needs and includes the largest ever federal investment in clean energy for the future. For example, the Act includes $14 billion in funding for USDA programs that support the expansion of biofuels and help rural businesses and electric cooperatives transition to renewable energy and zero-emission systems.
Background:
Oban highlighted a total of six investments that USDA is making through three programs specifically designed to help people and businesses in rural areas. These programs are Community Facilities Disaster Grants, Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants, and Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audits and Renewable Energy Development Grants.
Nationally, $121 million is being funded to 289 projects across 49 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. It reflects the many ways USDA Rural Development helps rural residents, businesses and communities address economic development, infrastructure, and social service needs.
In North Dakota:
- The Ellendale Fire Protection District will use a $316,500 grant to purchase a fire pumper truck. This will benefit the 2,154 residents of Ellendale and the surrounding area. The current pumper truck is over 25 years old and has reached the end of its useful life. The new truck will be equipped with updated technical and safety features.
- James Ackerman will use a $101,326 grant to install a more efficient grain-drying system. Ackerman operates a family farm, raising small grains near Devils Lake, North Dakota. This project will save the business $24,646 per year and replace 443,580 kWh (55 percent) per year, which is enough to power 41 homes.
- Joseph Mauch will use a $13,654 grant to install a geothermal heating and cooling system. Mauch operated a family farm, raising small grains near Mooreton, North Dakota. This project will save the business $2,966 per year and will replace 49,438 kilowatt (kWh) hours (76 percent), which is enough electricity to power five homes.
- 1137 Mall LLC will use a $125,000 grant to install more energy efficient LED lighting and HVAC systems. 1173 Mall LLC is a locally owned strip mall in Dickinson, North Dakota. This project will save the business $25,966 per ear and replace 402,373 kilowatt (kWh) hours (42 percent) per year, which is enough electricity to power 37 homes.
- Benjamin James will use an $8,148 grant to install a 13.12 kW solar array system. James operates a family farm near Kenmare, North Dakota. This project will save the business $798 per year and replace 12,270 kWh (100 percent) per year, which is enough electricity to power one home.
- North Central Builders Inc. will use a $13,849 grant to install a 24.6 kW solar array system. North Central Builders Inc. is a locally owned contracting business near Rugby, North Dakota. This project will save the business $1,693 per year and replace 31,207 kWh (191 percent) per year, which is enough electricity to power three homes.
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. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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, ensuring access to 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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