PROGRESS REPORT 

2013 

INVESTING IN A 

STRONGER RURAL ECONOMY

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT

SOUTH DAKOTA

Photo courtesy of the 

Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe 
Committed to the Future of 

Rural Communities 

Elsie M. Meeks 

State Director 

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH DAKOTA 

as a Strike Force state by the Secretary of Agriculture. This means we are to focus our efforts on better serving our 

Native communities. Although, some tribes have been successful in utilizing most of our programs, not all have been 

‐ especially, in the area of single family housing. To begin to address this, many entities across South Dakota, 

including, the Governor’s Office, SD Housing Development Authority, SD Office of Tribal Relations, banks, federal 

agencies, housing and community development organizations and tribal organizations formed SDNHOC to begin to 

break down barriers and build opportunities so that all of our residents in South Dakota have the chance to become 

homeowners. How cool is that!? 

Once I start “bragging” I can’t stop. We work with so many small, wonderful communities throughout South 

Dakota. There are so many committed people in these communities that put forth great effort to develop and 

operate rural water and wastewater rural systems and in order to deliver safe‐drinking water and waste treatment. 

One water district out of necessity is trenching 87 miles of pipe for approximately 350 users of whom many 

currently are forced to haul water to their homes to maintain an adequate water supply. And, these water systems, in 

turn, are helped by organizations like the South Dakota Rural Water Association. Then, of course, there are the 

community leaders that work to maintain home‐town businesses and medical facilities in order to keep their small, 

rural communities thriving. I have not yet mentioned our bank partners in South Dakota that serve as the primary 

lenders to businesses and home‐buyers. Many of them utilize Rural Development Guarantees in order to provide 

better financing for their customers. 

It is true that USDA Rural Development has great programs that serve almost every need in our rural communities, 

but is also true that we would not be able to get the funding out if it weren’t for our partners. 

So, here’s to you South Dakota! Rural Development staff, community and business leaders, bankers, South Dakota 

State staff and officials – Thank You!! 

Message from the State Director  

From sequestrations cuts to continuing resolutions, it is always an unpredictable 

journey at USDA. Yet, in spite of the ups and downs, I am still immensely proud 

to be at the helm of such a great agency in the best state (my opinion) in the 

union. We have some of the best, most dedicated staff at USDA in South Dakota 

(again, my opinion, but I am qualified to say so). I am also thankful to Secretary 

Vilsack and President Obama for fighting for the needs of our rural communities. 

And while I am giving accolades – our partners in South Dakota are amazing! 

With dwindling staff due to federal budget cuts, we have to rely on our 

community partners more and more. One of the initiatives that best 

demonstrates partnerships is the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition 

(SDNHOC) that was launched this year! South Dakota has been designated 
2013 Progress Report

USDA Rural Development   South Dakota

Page 3

USDA Rural Development Funding Activity - South Dakota 

In 2013, USDA Rural 

Development Invested 

$399,333,034 

in Rural South Dakota 

Assisted 27 businesses 

and created or saved more 

than 456 jobs in rural 

South Dakota 

Provided financial 

assistance to 21 rural 

South Dakota communities 

by providing nearly $6.8

million in financing 

More than 1,527 South 

Dakotans utilized USDA’s 

Guaranteed Rural Housing 

Loan Program to purchase 

a home 

Partnered with 32 small 

businesses and agricultural 

producers in South Dakota 

to install renewable energy 

or energy efficiency 

systems 

2,623 rural South 

Dakotans benefitted from 

enhanced water and sewer 

system infrastructure 

Invested nearly 

$17.7 million in critically 

needed community 

services for rural South 

Dakotans 

USDA Rural Development 

Making an Impact in Rural South Dakota Communities 

2013 PROGRESS REPORT

Rural Business/

Cooperative

Programs,

$158,447,894 , 40%

Community

Programs,

$24,621,347 , 6%

Rural Housing

Programs,

$216,263,793 , 54%
Investing in Rural Businesses 

BUSINESS & COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS 

Lakota Foods Plant - Part of the Lower Brule Farm Corporation 

Lower Brule, SD 

USDA Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant (VAAPMDG) Recipient 
2013 Progress Report

USDA Rural Development   South Dakota

Page 5

BUSINESS PROGRAMS 2013 

Advanced Biofuel Payment $21,097 

Business and Industry Loan Guarantee (B&I) $24,340,178 

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency 

Program (REAP) 

$1,099,380 

Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG) $478,398 

Rural Economic Development Loans and 

Grants (REDLG) 

$1,401,000 

Intermediary Relending Program $750,000 

Rural Business Opportunity Grant $222,481 

Rural Cooperative Development Grant $200,000 

Small Minority Producer Grant $200,000 

Value Added Development Grants $300,000 

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program $75,360 

Rural Utilities Service Loans to Electric/

Telephone Cooperatives 

$129,360,000 

TOTAL $158,447,894 

Helping community leaders identify ways to 

improve economic opportunities in rural America 

is a leading emphasis at USDA Rural 

Development.

Through a variety of job‐creation programs the 

agency partners with private and community‐

based organizations to create and preserve quality 

jobs in rural communities and move America 

forward. 

USDA Rural Development’s Business and 

Industry (B&I) guaranteed loan program helps 

back the business of rural America by providing 

protection and incentives to lenders. In turn, 

businesses benefiting from a loan guarantee have 

a better chance of receiving the financing and 

terms they need so they can thrive. 

USDA Rural Development has a long‐standing 

initiative that assists rural electric and telephone 

cooperatives and community‐development 

organizations in their efforts to improve the rural 

economy. 

The agency also assists small businesses and 

producers through its Rural Energy for America 

Program (REAP) that provides financial assistance 

when energy‐efficiency improvements are made 

to reduce energy costs or when renewable energy 

systems such as wind turbines, geothermal and 

solar are installed. 

Pictured at top right - The Value Added Agriculture Development 

Center received a Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) in the amount of $99,950 to assist small and 

emerging private businesses in Shannon County. This project is located in the StrikeForce region and a 

persistent poverty county. The StrikeForce initiative is to increase partnerships with rural communities 

and leverage community resources in targeted, persistent poverty communities. 
Investing in Rural Communities 

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 

Hand County Memorial Hospital 

Miller, SD 

Hospital addition and renovation was completed in June 2013. The project was made 

possible thanks to a $3.5 million Community Facility loan through the American 

Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) from USDA.
2013 Progress Report

USDA Rural Development   South Dakota

Page 7

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 2013 

Community Facilities Loans, Grants and 

Guarantees 

$6,388,240 

Economic Impact Initiative $74,460 

Community Facilities Tribal College Grants $376,647 

Water and Environmental Loans, Grants 

and Guarantees 

$17,782,000 

TOTAL $24,621,347 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural 

Development’s Community Programs offers direct 

and guaranteed loans and grants to finance and 

facilitate the development of more than 80 

different types of essential community facilities 

including water and sewer projects. 

These include hospitals, nursing homes, health 

clinics, child care centers, police, fire or rescue 

facilities, 

equipment or vehicles; libraries; and municipal or 

county buildings. 

Applicants must have the legal authority to 

borrow and repay loans, to pledge security for 

loans, and construct, operate, and maintain the 

facilities. They must also be financially sound and 

able to organize and manage the facility 

effectively. 

Contact Rural Development for information about 

programs and advice on how to assemble 

information to determine engineering feasibility, 

economic soundness, cost estimates, organization 

financing, and management matters. We can also 

help with your application. 

Bear Butte Valley Water, Inc., a recently established non-profit 

corporation, is building a new rural water system with the 

assistance of a USDA Rural Development water and environmental 

loan of $2,917,000 and a grant of $2,000,000. 

Our mission is to increase economic opportunity 

and improve the quality of life for all rural 

South Dakota residents. 
Investing in Rural Housing 

HOUSING PROGRAMS 

Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, USDA Rural Development, and GROW South Dakota signed 

a Memorandum of Understanding that will streamline the process towards 

increased homeownership on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation. 

“What we do today can make a difference for tomorrow. By working together, we 

support the betterment of our Tribe as we know housing is much needed on our 

reservation,” said Chairman Brandon Sazue, Sr. 
2013 Progress Report

USDA Rural Development   South Dakota

Page 9

HOUSING PROGRAMS 2013 

Direct Single Family Housing Loans $7,050,268 

Guaranteed Single Family Housing 

Loans 

$195,359,066 

Single Family Housing 

Rehabilitation Loans and Grants 

$267,427 

Housing Preservation Grant $50,000 

Rental Assistance $13,220,568 

Multi-Family Voucher Assistance 

Program 

$316,464 

TOTAL $216,263,793 

While the past few years have been a financial 

challenge for many Americans, the goal of 

achieving the American Dream of homeownership 

remains strong. 

USDA Rural Development has two low‐interest, 

no‐down‐payment loan programs to help eligible 

families living in rural communities and areas 

purchase new or existing homes. Loans, and some 

grants, are also available to help families make 

needed repairs to their homes. 

Eligible homes must be located in a rural area and/

or community of generally less than 20,000. In 

most cases, a family of four with an adjusted 

annual income of up to $74,750 may qualify for the 

agency’s guaranteed home loan program. If that 

same family of four’s adjusted annual income is 

less than $46,800 they may also qualify for a direct 

loan from the agency. For income eligibility, 

please contact one of the local USDA Rural 

Development offices identified on the last page of 

this report. 

USDA Rural Development also provides financing 

for 344 apartment complexes in rural South 

Dakota. These complexes provide rural residents 

with access to more than 6,134 apartments. Rent in 

the apartments is based on income, and rental 

assistance may be available depending on the 

income of the tenant. 

Through a partnership between USDA Rural Development, GROW South 

Dakota, Homes Are Possible, Inc., and the HUD voucher program 

delivered through Mobridge Housing and Redevelopment, Eileen 

Crowfeather became a new homeowner. 

“As the realization that I could afford my own home settled in, I began 

to feel secure,” said new homeowner Eileen Crowfeather. “Actually, I 

feel great! This definitely has been a release of worry. I feel much 

calmer; owning my own home is fantastic and I can fix it up as I please.” 
USDA Native Homeownership Coalition 

A diverse group of stakeholders formed the 

Native Homeownership Coalition in June 2013. 

The Coalition is a partnership of Federal and State 

agencies, Housing Development Authorities and 

non‐profit entities that share the common goal of 

improving Native homeownership in South 

Dakota. South Dakota USDA Rural Development 

State Director Elsie Meeks stated ʺWe strive to 

advocate and strengthen families and Native 

communities through homeownership; it isn’t 

often that the Native and non‐native housing 

organizations get to learn from each other.ʺ

Colleen Steele, Executive Director of Mazaska 

Owecaso Otipi Financial, shared the importance 

of the Coalition offering, ʺThe Coalition lets 

housing authorities and resource providers 

connect with each other and see what other tribes 

are doing. It makes me realize what could be 

possible for our tribe. “ 

Partnership Brings Homeownership to Rural 

Areas Through Strong Alliance 

Rural Development joined Inter‐Lakes 

Community Action Partnership (ICAP) to 

celebrate their accomplishments in expanding 

homeownership opportunities through USDA’s 

Mutual Self‐Help Housing Program. ICAP was 

awarded $438,806 in technical assistance to 

support their continued participation in the 

program. 

In conjunction with Homeownership Month held 

in June of 2013, three homes were toured in 

Brookings. This development site completed 14 

self‐help homes with an expansion of seven 

additional units to be completed in 2014. 

“USDA Rural Development has a long history of 

providing assistance to improve homeownership 

opportunities in rural South Dakota,” said Meeks. 

This is a tremendous program which provides 

affordable housing opportunities. With the 

assistance of our partners, including ICAP, 

USDA’s Mutual Self‐Help Housing program 

builds homes, neighborhoods, and communities.” 

Success Stories 

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH DAKOTA 
USDA Provides Essential Capital to 

Businesses that Enables Rural Communities 

to Thrive 

In 1978, the Northeast South Dakota Economic 

Corporation (NESDEC, also known as GROW 

South Dakota) was created to assist northeast 

South Dakota in business ownership, business 

development and job creation in low income and 

rural communities. To achieve these goals a 

revolving loan fund was established to provide an 

affordable financing option for new, and existing, 

small business owners. As demand grew, 

additional capital was needed to facilitate the 

expansion of the revolving loan fund. 

USDA’s Intermediary Relending Program (IRP), 

Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG), Rural 

Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG) and the 

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program 

(RMAP) have been valuable partners in funding 

the continued expansion and shared success of 

the revolving loan fund. The funds from USDA 

have enabled rural communities in South Dakota 

access to low‐interest loans that may not 

otherwise have been available. 

In 2013, NESDEC closed 72 loans advancing a one

‐year record of $4.5 million. The same year 

NESDEC celebrated its 35th anniversary. In 35 

years, 1,756 loans were made to 1,075 different 

businesses totaling $52.7 million loaned and 

$244.6 million leveraged. In the process, NESDEC 

helped create or retain 9,367 jobs. 

 USDA’s partnership with GROW South Dakota 

has provided essential capital to businesses that 

enables rural communities in northeast South 

Dakota to thrive. 

USDA Helps to Expand Major Paleontological 

Site’s Educational Impact on Community and 

Visitors

The Mammoth Site located in Hot Springs, SD is 

the recipient of a USDA Community Facility loan 

of $862,100 that will be leveraged with a HUD 

grant of $137,969 and local/regional contributions 

of $369,703 for a new learning center /theater. 

The new 5,800 square foot addition will feature a 

new entryway, gathering area, storage and two 53

‐ seat theaters. The theaters will allow visitors to 

experience an introductory video. It also will 

allow for 

lectures by 

scientists , 

available 

to local 

clientele, 

visitors, 

and school groups. 2013 Progress Report

USDA Rural Development   South Dakota

Page 11

2013 PROGRESS REPORT

Photo courtesy of the Mammoth Site. 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits 

discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, 

color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, 

political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance 

program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will 

apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) 

If you wish to file an employment complaint, you must contact your agency’s EEO Counselor (click the hyperlink for list of EEO Counselors) within 

45 days of the date of the alleged discriminatory act, event, or in the case of a personnel action. Additional information can be found online at 

http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_file.html. 

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at 

http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing 

all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of 

Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. 

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities and you wish to file either an EEO or program complaint please contact USDA through the 

Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish). 

Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint, please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or by email. If 

you require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please contact USDA’s 

TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).” 

CONTACT USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT 

IN SOUTH DAKOTA 

Follow us on Twitter: 

@RD_SouthDakota 

South Dakota 

USDA RD Website: 

www.rurdev.usda.gov/sd

Aberdeen Area Office 

524 Enterprise Street S., Suite 100 

Aberdeen, SD 57401 

Phone: 605-226-3360, Ext. 4

Rapid City Area Office 

414 East Stumer Road 

Rapid City, SD 57701

Phone: 605-342-0301, Ext. 4 

Mitchell Area Office 

1820 North Kimball, Suite C 

Mitchell, SD 57301-1114 

Phone: 605-996-1564, Ext. 4 

Sioux Falls Area Office 

2408 East Benson Road 

Sioux Falls, SD 57104 

Phone: 605-330-4515, Ext. 4 

Pierre Area Office 

1717 N. Lincoln Ave., Suite 102

Pierre, SD 57501 

Phone: 605-224-8870, Ext. 4 

Watertown Area Office 

1720 4th Street NE, Suite 2 

Watertown, SD 57201 

Phone: 605-886-8202, Ext. 4 

State Office

200 4th Street SW 

Federal Bldg. Rm. 210 

Huron, SD 57350-2477 

Phone: 605-352-1100

Yankton Area Office 

2914 Broadway 

Yankton, SD 57078 

Phone: 605-665-2662, Ext. 4