CoBank SUPPORTS RURAL GROCER DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN NORTH DAKOTA
MANDAN, N.D. — An economic development project targeting rural grocery and retail food distribution in northeast North Dakota is receiving significant support from CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. CoBank is committing $190,000 to the North Dakota Rural Electric & Telecommunications Development Center, operated by the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC).
HAZEN, ND – The Mercer County Ambulance Service is adding living quarters to its existing building, thanks in part to a $46,928 community capital loan provided by the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC). Founded in 1994 by North Dakota’s rural electric and telecommunications cooperatives, RDFC helps rural communities grow by offering low-interest financing.
“This community capital loan is an example of RDFC’s commitment to the cooperative principle of concern for community, contributing to a vibrant workforce and a livable community,” says RDFC Board Member Wes Engbrecht. “In a crisis, emergency responders need to act quickly. RDFC is proud of our emergency responders and is glad to finance a project that will help ensure they are well rested and ready to save lives.”
The addition will provide living arrangements for two overnight responders. It will include two bedrooms, a kitchenette, a shower and a rest area.
Mercer County Ambulance Service provides emergency services to residents and guests of Mercer County, covering a service area of 1,015 square miles and a county population of 8,600. The ambulance service is largely comprised of skilled volunteers, but also employs four full-time emergency medical technicians, one advanced emergency medical technician and four paramedics.
Founded in 1994 by North Dakota’s rural electric and telecommunications cooperatives, the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) is a nonprofit corporation that encourages economic diversification and community vitality through the generation of funding that supports sustainable asset building. Funding for RDFC programs comes from fee income generated by Dakotas America LLC, a community development entity providing New Market Tax Credits in economically distressed census tracks across the United States. Support is provided by the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives.
SMALL TOWN GROCERS WORK TOGETHER TO STAY IN BUSINESS
FARGO, ND – The North Dakota Rural Grocery Initiative (NDRGI) will welcome grocers and resource providers from across the state to the North Dakota Rural Grocer Summit on Sunday, Sept. 10 at the Delta by Marriott in Fargo. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the event begins at 10 a.m. The annual summit provides rural grocers with opportunities to learn best practices and network with fellow grocers and industry professionals. NDRGI is an example of how cooperatives demonstrate the cooperative principle of concern for community, which promotes the future vitality of rural North Dakota.
LOAN HELPS IMPROVE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TIMES IN RURAL COMMUNITY
HOOPLE, ND – An expansion to the Hoople Rural Fire Department’s building and water supply will result in faster response times for emergency calls and lower insurance rates for those residing in the Hoople Rural Fire District. Financing for the project, which is estimated at more than $300,000, includes a $150,000 community capital loan provided by the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC). Founded in 1994 by North Dakota’s rural electric and telecommunications cooperatives, RDFC helps rural communities grow by offering low-interest financing.
LOAN PROPELS SAWYER WATER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FORWARD
SAWYER, ND – Residents in Sawyer, North Dakota will soon have access to better drinking water, thanks in part to a $125,000 community capital loan provided by the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC). Founded in 1994 by North Dakota’s rural electric and telecommunications cooperatives, RDFC helps rural communities grow by offering low-interest financing