By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is investing $79 million in projects across northern Minnesota. The funding supports important infrastructure and services in communities including Bemidji, Bigfork, and Mountain Iron.
The investments cover several areas of rural development, including emergency services, water infrastructure, business support, and electrical systems. The projects are designed to improve local services and provide support for residents and businesses in northern Minnesota communities.
Mick Ditlevson, USDA Rural Development Minnesota State Director, said, “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Rural Development is focused on improving essential infrastructure for rural Minnesotans,” said Ditlevson. “These projects help restore prosperity and will enhance services to residents, businesses, and visitors to these northern Minnesota communities.”
One investment supports improvements at Fire Station #1 in Bemidji. USDA is providing the city with a $450,000 grant for renovations to the existing facility. The work includes creating private bunk rooms and new shower facilities within the current sleeping and locker room areas.
The improvements are expected to provide more privacy and accessible shower facilities for firefighters. The project will also update sleeping and locker areas and support safer and more comfortable living conditions for firefighters.
The station serves the city of Bemidji, which has 15,114 residents. Improvements to the facility are intended to support firefighter readiness and emergency services in the community.
Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood said, “Receiving this funding will have a real impact on our fire department,” said Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood. “It helps us support the firefighters our community depends on, while giving our staff a place to rest and recover so they can respond safely and effectively. I am very appreciative of State Director Ditlevson taking the time to visit northern Minnesota and see those needs firsthand.”
Another USDA investment supports the City of Bigfork. The city is receiving a $708,000 loan and a $249,000 grant to improve its water treatment plant and water system.
The Bigfork project includes improvements to the existing water treatment plant, construction of a new well, and rehabilitation of a 50,000-gallon elevated water storage tank. The project also includes waterline improvements along parts of six streets.
These improvements are expected to strengthen water distribution for about 400 residents in Itasca County. Reliable water infrastructure is important for homes, businesses, and other community needs.
USDA Rural Development is also supporting businesses through Greater Bemidji Inc. The organization is receiving a $648,916 intermediary relending loan.
The funding will help Greater Bemidji provide loans to new and existing businesses in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, and Cass counties. During the first year, the organization plans to assist five businesses that are expected to create 56 jobs.
A much larger investment is going toward electrical infrastructure. USDA is providing Lake Country Power in Mountain Iron with a $77 million loan.
The funding will help the cooperative improve or replace more than 600 miles of electrical lines. The project is also expected to connect 1,700 new members to the electrical system and build 93 miles of new electrical lines.
The work includes replacing older electrical poles and installing equipment designed to improve system performance and reliability. The project will also use smart grid technology to support the electrical system.
Reliable electricity is important for rural communities because homes, farms, businesses, and public services all depend on a stable power supply. Improvements to electrical infrastructure can also help communities prepare for future growth.
Congressman Pete Stauber said, “I am grateful to President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for their strong commitment to rural Minnesota,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “This money will deliver critical upgrades to water, electrical, business, and emergency infrastructure that our small communities depend on to grow and thrive. I look forward to seeing these investments benefit my constituents for generations to come.”
USDA Rural Development provides loans, grants, and loan guarantees for rural communities. Its programs support areas such as electricity, transportation, high-speed internet, business development, health care, education, housing, and other community needs.
The agency also provides information about its investments through the Rural Data Gateway, which allows users to explore USDA Rural Development investments by state and county.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Minnesota, General