The Department of Agriculture has invested $232 million on reservations in North Dakota since 2009, according to a report that was released on Thursday.

The largest investment of $122 million was for infrastructure improvement. Another $88.2 million went to electric loan programs and $15.4 went to water and wastewater programs.

“Through a strong partnership with North Dakota’s tribal leadership, USDA has assisted with the growing infrastructure needs in our tribal communities and helped empower the tribal colleges,” Jasper Schneider, the USDA Rural Development State Director, said in a press release. “While there is always more work to do, the progress report spotlights the projects completed and the high value we place on our tribal relationships.”

USDA is reaching out to tribes in the state as part of its Strike Force Initiative. The goal is to address poverty and employment on reservations.

Get the Story:
StrikeForce initiative aims to lift impoverished counties (The Grand Forks Herald 4/5)

Get the Report:
Tribal Progress Report (April 2013)