[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6343412,"mediaKeyId","2252342-0503baf8a6df7100ec08966f022bcc3b","parentId",2252342,"title","Senators consider rural catalyst grant to fund local quality‑of‑life projects; regional councils back $30M appropriation","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",10982000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2252342-0503baf8a6df7100ec08966f022bcc3b&start=10982&end=10982","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2252342-0503baf8a6df7100ec08966f022bcc3b/thumbnail_10982000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6343412/North-Dakota/Senators-consider-rural-catalyst-grant-to-fund-local-qualityoflife-projects-regional-councils-back-30M-appropriation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6343412-a44bdac8d81fa9047ef26003d172a6b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1776168687&Signature=BuVcfzYGRR54GMt2QizEaIj8-A12N4M15HdCuWHqAMXSKvvawL4999-dPcGJwQPRJzRU6cBWQucPTI-25ibVeb0etQtg3J1662UV1FbW-DnM9hE0yLUWQ~GI6JEkbuhrLgjKVDr~UIIBHwCTq4LOE0dFUaB5Zbsl6vzC908NYC414lYKVQR6wF57MvnkcA~OxPsLVcuvCfYZV9Uqep4EUpQzYiiJ~YX3ivoNFT86XI8AOUOSUF0l7DaCHtsvdj9Hom~AfCpsXVglrGt9YeorGyyX8rOUg30bHBowxcq3l1XTYEzf66jngV8SnxkKFaoz6Hiah3zFgUcGyvUNEtOrIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs","date","2025-02-06T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 2‑390, introduced to create a Rural Catalyst Committee and a matching grant program to finance quality‑of‑life projects in small towns, drew broad support from regional councils, economic development groups, and philanthropy advisers.

Bill overview: Sponsor Senator Wanzek described the bill as creating a Rural Catalyst Committee (chaired by the governor or the governor’s designee) and a Rural Catalyst Grant program administered by the Department of Commerce. The bill’s eligibility language would allow grants for projects that address arts and culture, community and economic development, education, and health and wellness. The fund is proposed to be capitalized with a $30,000,000 appropriation from the Strategic Investment and Improvement Fund (SIF) in the draft presented.

Match and delivery: The bill includes a 1:2 matching requirement — a grant recipient must provide $1 from non‑state sources for every $2 from the Rural Catalyst Fund — a design the sponsor and witnesses defended as strengthening local buy‑in. Regional council witnesses and philanthropic advisers recommended flexible match‑waiver authority where communities could not meet the match.

Support and use cases: Witnesses outlined examples across regions: small repair projects (Gilby HVAC), larger regional assets (Park River sport/wellness complex plans), child care expansion in Grafton, and pool replacements or repairs. Red River Regional Council executive director Dawn Mant summarized decades of regional project work and argued the program would fill gaps not easily served by existing state or federal programs. Philanthropy adviser Christie Henrikson Wilford urged the committee to view the program as a mechanism to cultivate local philanthropy and donor‑advised funds over time.

Program delivery role: Multiple regional council directors asked that councils be funded to provide boots‑on‑the‑ground technical assistance and grant writing support; proponents said regional councils’ existing audits, annual reports, and project management experience make them appropriate grant administrators or partners. Testimony emphasized streamlined application tracks for small projects and more rigorous review for larger requests and recommended periodic reporting to legislative management.

Status and next steps: The committee heard the bill and a wide array of supporting testimony. The chair recessed the hearing to continue after the chamber session; no committee vote was recorded in the transcript. Supporters asked the committee to consider staffing and program design details to ensure small towns — including those with populations under 1,000 — can access funds without prohibitive application burdens.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Feb 6, 2025\t","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 2‑390 would create a Rural Catalyst Grant program and a Rural Catalyst Fund (proposed $30 million) administered by Department of Commerce with regional council involvement and a required match of $1 per $2 state funds; testimony emphasized local needs, match requirement, and request that regional councils deliver technical assistance.","taxTitle","Agriculture and Veterans Affairs, Senate, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28898,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6343417,"Lawmakers hear broad support for rural grocery grants; program pitched as lifeline for small towns",844,8134000,8978000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2252342-0503baf8a6df7100ec08966f022bcc3b&start=8134&end=8978","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2252342-0503baf8a6df7100ec08966f022bcc3b/thumbnail_8134000.jpg","/articles/6343417/North-Dakota/Lawmakers-hear-broad-support-for-rural-grocery-grants-program-pitched-as-lifeline-for-small-towns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6343417-7e9ab2696909590b1a61ab28743a8de0/orig.mp4?Expires=1776168687&Signature=lPAExai6gEc0YThXbjq7ynewlaZ1O8so2JtRw9EgBHqLcLHMDKJGQiwtojPSb~pTxdbwDW6sr5aANLtS0iUMAk62kFG7Vja8GQGBaaqz9WDbXiBIWxLhhx-WhbhrSWjXPLH8qMEAM4jU~mY3ET4ExBQ9RQ~IfHo0bmlRAdUrnNQsWDNy4BA5IWBD1GM-L3cWL9xAmhbrkMbUHP8KT1hEEPkkIZY6qGpuy-9ks5ToGTejsifuHWUn~HYiLyqZr8-ohO0Ko0Ix4os1dGnGaVN0ckSWX86wtRT8ShIujjylqJEMotrIIVVOC3W3~IFILxPDHz4MMlSTINqRvZcqbfzPVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee heard extensive testimony in favor of Senate Bill 22‑28, a proposal to fund a rural grocery store sustainability and food access expansion grant program under the Department of Commerce.

Why it matters: Witnesses said rural grocery stores provide food access to elderly and transportation‑limited residents, anchor local economies, and support community continuity. Peril Grossman, legislative director for the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, told the committee “rural grocery stores are the backbone of small communities” and said closures force residents to travel long distances for basic groceries.

Program background and benefits: Supporters described the bill as a follow‑up to a pilot program passed last session. Testimony from the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives’ rural development staff (Ellen Huber) summarized technical assistance and low‑interest loan activity the association has provided, and pointed to successes where grants and local coordination helped reopen or sustain stores in several towns. The association described a revolving loan fund and private grant sources that have already been used to support rural stores.

Local examples and data: Multiple community leaders said the grant program enabled feasibility studies, cooperative purchasing models, and equipment upgrades (freezers, coolers, produce racks) essential to keeping stores open. The Hazleton Development Corporation said its community used grant funds for a feasibility study and is exploring a regional buying and distribution cooperative model; Hazleton emphasized the store’s role for a population with more than 25% aged 65 or older. The Red River Regional Council described using Placer.ai foot‑traffic data to make market assessments in tiny communities such as Crystal (population ~112) and credited the previous grant with helping the Crystal Booster Club buy the town’s convenience store.

Processing facility connection: StrengthenND and Megan Langley described one phase‑2 grant recipient — a regional food processing and aggregation facility near Baldwin — which will assist small producers and reduce freight costs, and said that project leveraged the state grant with federal Economic Development Administration funds.

Funding and outcomes: Witnesses reported the pilot program’s funds were quickly used by communities and that additional appropriation would expand capacity. Speakers estimated some project costs and local fundraising results; the Fargo area example from the veterans testimony estimated long‑term projects at several million dollars. The committee received no formal opposition testimony during the hearing.

Status: Testimony concluded and the committee closed the hearing on SB 22‑28; no committee vote on the bill was recorded in the transcript. Supporters asked the committee to reauthorize the grant appropriation and expand the program.","Senate Bill 22‑28, which would reauthorize a rural grocery store sustainability and food access grant program, drew unanimous support from agricultural, economic development, and community representatives who said the pilot program helped keep grocery stores open and encouraged regional co‑op approaches to distribution.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6343422,"Senate committee gives due‑pass to $3 million grant for Fargo National Cemetery facility, adoption passes unanimously",2530,5546000,8076000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2252342-0503baf8a6df7100ec08966f022bcc3b&start=5546&end=8076","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2252342-0503baf8a6df7100ec08966f022bcc3b/thumbnail_5546000.jpg","/articles/6343422/North-Dakota/Senate-committee-gives-duepass-to-3-million-grant-for-Fargo-National-Cemetery-facility-adoption-passes-unanimously","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6343422-bd5ecf2c374aeb49282667c6bec15785/orig.mp4?Expires=1776168687&Signature=FUu~plwCH~Mq2By~Eah0~i1IQ1aZoZaqrn5e1v~m67-3pQ7gc59ZN00JVnazQzobE3GS5mgFuQIYiFeSxZdUDVfIwqWoy~thjI8lMB61v8mWMvBeytrxv2lCTInRPYlgJNd2daXLofyiolycip6itIXqeg9jwUft5qtmbJZ6kHyabzh2MQwShShVosclLjZES4RQwPZGdwg2ZECcEmYI6rogDxKTjltcD1zw9gQS8sjlxcpNRPf0Y6s4cFmt1McxNpjp5JsTvgbPKkxhzuNQQ~00ztEsXn0YiHRUFUE0KMXk4WDBtTlcVXBmZPL4EuyDOw0l08s0SQzRVr6PfZHYOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee voted unanimously to give a due‑pass recommendation to Senate Bill 22‑65, an appropriation that would provide $3,000,000 to support construction of a gathering and support facility at Fargo National Cemetery.

What passed: Committee members approved an amendment to SB 22‑65 and then voted to recommend a due pass on the bill as amended. The amendment was adopted by voice vote; the later roll call on the due‑pass recommendation showed all present senators voting in favor. A committee member stated, “Committee, it passes unanimously,” and the clerk recorded several ‘‘yes’’ and ‘‘aye’’ responses during the roll call.

Project description: Sponsor Senator Scott Meyer described the proposed facility as housing a gathering area for families before or after interments; a gallery to showcase veterans’ service; offices for VA staff; a break room for honor guard members; indoor restrooms; a garage sized to accommodate a hearse; and parking infrastructure. As Meyer said, the appropriation “will require VA approval prior to the funds being released.” He asked for a due‑pass recommendation.

Support and details from testimony: Testimony included local veterans and volunteer organizations. Jason Hicks, commander of the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard, described the group’s volunteer work and said the honor guard “is a strictly volunteer organization” that provides ceremonies for many burials in the region. Hicks and others described operational needs: lack of indoor space, limited parking on a 55‑mph county road adjacent to the cemetery, and instances where families could not leave their vehicles because of weather or mobility limitations. Marvin Nagly, sergeant of the honor guard, described volunteer coordination and the typical 20‑minute interment cadence used by the VA.

Funding and matching: Witnesses described roughly $1.4 million already raised by private donors and organizations and said the total project cost is estimated at $4–5 million. Senator Meyer confirmed the Legislature’s $3,000,000 would be contingent on VA plan approval and that the VA would assume ownership and ongoing operating costs after construction.

Vote and next steps: The committee adopted amendment 25,099,201 to SB 22‑65 by voice vote. Senator Meredahl (recorded as moving the amendment) and Senator Marsalais (recorded as second) were identified in the motion sequence; Senator Meredahl then moved the due‑pass recommendation and the committee carried the motion by roll call. The clerk recorded several names as voting yes, and the committee chair announced the motion carried unanimously. The committee indicated Senator Marsalais would carry the bill forward.

Ending: The committee closed the hearing on SB 22‑65 and recorded the due‑pass recommendation; the bill will be reoffered to the next committee indicated in the legislative process.","The Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee gave a due‑pass recommendation to Senate Bill 22‑65, a $3,000,000 appropriation for a Veterans National Cemetery grant to support a gathering facility at Fargo National Cemetery; committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill unanimously on a roll call.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6343427,"Senate committee debates animal operation setback increases; sponsor offers amendment to retain 1‑mile maximum",138,3902000,4040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2252342-0503baf8a6df7100ec08966f022bcc3b&start=3902&end=4040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2252342-0503baf8a6df7100ec08966f022bcc3b/thumbnail_3902000.jpg","/articles/6343427/North-Dakota/Senate-committee-debates-animal-operation-setback-increases-sponsor-offers-amendment-to-retain-1mile-maximum","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6343427-3755758ce6277820feed5b5d9b45cb0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776168687&Signature=k87GnRnaQQB2spKImdK-~IocraX0P5B2Y4W0zyjgOiL2SrcfYWPyLgewN5uSYGfYtbvbxbJLWnPLA-ScEMxZ4JAy0IGnI9T4ttE23hLxxvjV0AmP-6ZNFwPMtIYQcbMXFTCqzzbcY32OAgrc1HU7-tOPf56i8nDeSnKL63YWkpqrCdFS~Jfpwq5SbPRTKJni-DpAY1u98rLFha7SuCf8Tt3siZ8bHlPacaWutd7x97LjtSsCPBGdFGvBAy8iov7t~WIJ65qErQmT9kR0Qed8XqWcGalNt5uD99RQZHcTv38nMRrSBl6wjZHH61V1nVk4sWqTZcTCRjEUf-tTp8Bpow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Paul Thomas pressed the Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee on a bill that would raise maximum setback distances for large animal feeding operations, saying the current draft goes “beyond where we need to go.”

The bill in question, referred by participants as 21‑74, was described by Thomas as the product of an interim model zoning task force. Thomas said the bill “increases the setbacks” above the current North Dakota maximum and cited proposed distances for larger operations: “to a mile and a quarter for 17,500 animals, a mile and a half, and over 25,000 a mile and 3 fourths.”

Why it matters: The bill would set statewide maximums that counties or townships may adopt but not exceed. Thomas said the current law sets a one‑mile maximum for local setbacks and that the bill’s larger maximums could make siting large operations effectively impossible in parts of the state. He told the committee the task force recommended changes for smaller operations but that the largest setback in the bill “is a wide reaching scope” and could leave “nowhere in North Dakota a place where you could put one of these” if jurisdictions strictly followed the larger distances.

Discussion and amendment: Thomas proposed an amendment (explained in committee testimony and described as changing the maximum setbacks on page 6) to set the maximum setback at one mile for operations of 7,501 animal units or more. He said the amendment would preserve the task force’s recommendations on smaller operations and would retain the bill’s odor‑modeling tool as an optional method local governments could use to justify zoning farther than the set maximums. As Thomas described it, the odor model “gives the townships and counties the ability if that tool shows an odor problem to zone farther than whatever we set here.” He emphasized the modeling tool is optional, not mandatory.

Areas of tension: Committee members asked whether property purchase or local zoning processes could effectively change the practical impact of the setback (for example, if an operator purchased nearby residences). Thomas responded that counties and townships could adopt a zoning ordinance that sets a smaller maximum and that the bill “just says you can't be at two miles,” i.e., it creates a ceiling rather than a mandate. Multiple members acknowledged constituent communications and competing interests from agriculture organizations on both sides of the issue.

Status: The committee paused the bill to seek the sponsor’s attendance and said they would consider the proposed amendment and further input before taking formal action. No final vote or formal adoption of the amendment was recorded in the transcript.

Ending: The committee stood at ease to allow time for follow‑up with the sponsor and to consider the amendment further.","Senators discussed House bill 21‑74, which would raise allowed maximum setbacks for large animal feeding operations; sponsor Paul Thomas proposed an amendment to cap the maximum at one mile and leave odor‑modeling optional for local governments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senators consider rural catalyst grant to fund local quality‑of‑life projects; regional councils back $30M appropriation

Lawmakers hear broad support for rural grocery grants; program pitched as lifeline for small towns

Senate committee gives due‑pass to $3 million grant for Fargo National Cemetery facility, adoption passes unanimously

Senate committee debates animal operation setback increases; sponsor offers amendment to retain 1‑mile maximum