By Scout Nelson
Senator John Hoeven recently discussed the potential of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan programs to support key priorities in rural America, including energy, health care, housing, and livestock development.
The discussion took place during a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing with Glen Smith, nominee for Under Secretary for Rural Development.
Hoeven emphasized that Smith’s leadership experience at the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation and the Farm Credit Administration can help Rural Development make better use of existing credit programs. These programs, Hoeven said, can drive growth and improve the quality of life in rural communities.
A major focus of the discussion was Hoeven’s Crack the Code 2.0 initiative. The program aims to double both the lifespan of North Dakota’s coal-fired power plants and oil production in the Bakken region.
Rural electric cooperatives will play a central role by deploying enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies. Smith committed to collaborating with Hoeven and local cooperatives to accelerate this effort, which could unlock over 5 billion additional barrels of oil and create new revenue streams for coal producers.
Hoeven also pointed to the success of USDA-backed loans in improving rural health care, citing hospitals in communities such as Rugby, Grafton, and Hazen as models. These facilities were built using a combination of Rural Development loans and Critical Access Hospital reimbursements.
Additionally, Hoeven discussed plans to expand small meat processing facilities to help livestock producers market their products more efficiently.
Through these initiatives, Hoeven aims to enhance energy reliability, expand rural infrastructure, and create economic opportunities that sustain and strengthen rural America’s future.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy, Livestock