Rural communities can seek grants for local needs

The Department of Commerce administers grants for rural community projects. The program supports rural communities in North Dakota. Projects may address critical community or economic development, education, health and wellness, or preserving or reopening a grocery store in a rural community with 4,500 or fewer people. Awards may not exceed $500,000, and at least half of grant funds must go to communities with fewer than 1,500 people. Recipients must provide at least one dollar in nonstate matching funds for each state dollar; the committee may count cash or in-kind contributions.

A rural catalyst committee reviews grant applications and sets program guidelines. The committee reviews applications for grants under this chapter. The committee must meet at least twice a year and prioritize projects that support rural prosperity and quality of life. Members include regional council representatives, community representatives, a legislator, the governor or a designee, and the commerce commissioner or a designee.

The state transfers $2.5 million to a rural catalyst fund for grants. The fund supports the rural catalyst grant program. The Department of Commerce administers the fund, and its money may be used for grants only as authorized by legislative appropriations. The one-time $2.5 million grant appropriation comes from the rural catalyst fund. The transfer and one-time appropriation apply during the biennium from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.

The Department of Commerce reports on the grant program and posts project information online. The reporting covers results of the rural catalyst grant program and each approved project. Reports must cover requested and funded projects, matching funds raised, and effects on local communities. The department must provide each report to the next legislative assembly's appropriations committees. The department must send a report to Legislative Management by September 1 of each even-numbered year.