Latest Progress Reports

Annual Report 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

Funding Report

Lead Entity: Griggs-Steele Empowerment Zone, Inc.

State: North Dakota
Counties (Census Tracts: Steele (9687), Griggs (9685)
Community Population: 3,966
Outmigration: 27.0%
Net Land Area: 823 square miles
Maps: Statewide and Local

• Outmigration application
• Agriculture-based economy in long-term distress
• 27% population loss since 1980

The Empowerment Zone comprises all of Steele County and one census tract in Griggs County. The cities of Hannaford and Binford in Griggs County are included as developable sites. The area is approximately 80 miles from Fargo and 70 miles from Grand Forks. State highways provide excellent links to these areas. Diversifying its agricultural-based economy is a top priority, and includes developing value-added processing cooperatives with local farmers.

• Housing- Construct additional multi-family housing. Build a 12 unit assisted living facility
• Education – Obtain computers to allow internet access for the Finley-Sharon school; provide fiber-optic connection for the Cooperstown School
• Economy – Start a revolving loan pool for small businesses and manufacturing firms
• Construction of strawboard plant that will produce standard size sheets of pressboard material for use in the construction industry, and will employ approximately 200 individuals.
• Construct and staff a combination technology, youth and cultural center.
• Construct a co-op grain terminal in Hannaford to facilitate shipment of locally produced agricultural commodities.

Partners include individuals, city and county governments, development corporations and various other private organizations.

The zone has received signed pledges from local banks for $1 million in matching funds to support the Revolving Loan Fund. Pledge support for years one and two of the plan total more than $110 million with $8.5 million pledged for years 3 through 10.

Public meetings were held to receive citizen input. Citizens were invited to contribute information and ideas. Care was taken to assure that participating entities represent the full range of community interest.

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