Senate committee hears plan for $50 million long‑term care infrastructure loan fund; providers ask for $100M and 1% rate

House Bill 1619 would establish a long‑term care facility infrastructure loan fund at the Bank of North Dakota to provide low‑interest loans for renovation, construction and equipment projects at nursing, basic care and assisted‑living facilities. Representative Emily O’Brien (District 42, Grand Forks) told the Senate Human Services Committee the fund would begin with $50,000,000 and support projects of up to $10,000,000, with loans structured as a revolving resource for the state.

That companion bill would be “managed by the Bank of North Dakota and will support up to $10,000,000 per project with low interest loans and favorable terms,” O’Brien said, adding the fund is modeled on the state’s hospital program.

Why it matters: Testimony from facility leaders and the North Dakota Long Term Care Association described aging building stock, large variations in local construction costs and difficulty accessing affordable external financing — especially in rural communities. Advocates said low‑cost capital would help facilities modernize, improve resident safety and retain staff.

Nikki Wagner, president of the North Dakota Long Term Care Association, said many facilities are…