***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), after the Senate’s passage of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act by a vote of 82-15, applauded language benefitting Fargo, North Dakota. Throughout his time in office, Senator Cramer has championed initiatives to improve transportation infrastructure, agricultural research, and housing.

“Everyone in the region knows how much of a powerhouse Fargo is when it comes to critical agricultural research, economic growth and development, and innovation. The Senate’s passage of this appropriations package is a win for our producers here in North Dakota and across the country who benefit from all Fargo has to offer. The research conducted and food grown in North Dakota are essential to our role in fueling and feeding the world,” said Senator Cramer. “While the Senate’s passage of this legislation is long overdue, our work isn’t over. I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass this bill to ensure North Dakota receives the support it needs to continue spurring innovation.”

In a demographic study conducted by the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments, Fargo was reported to have a population of 125,990 in 2020. The study’s projections show the population could increase to 145,195 by 2035, about 155, 681 in 2045, and 164,507 in 2050. With the population of Fargo growing, it is crucial the city receives the funding and support to match transportation, agricultural research, and housing needs.

Through the FY 2023 Community Planning and Development Formula Program, $840,957 was awarded in Community Development Block Grants and $549,768 was awarded in Home Investment Partnership Program grants to the City of Fargo. The FY 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations-maintained funding levels for these two programs. Additionally, the legislation allocated $3.85 billion for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grants. Hector International Airport is entitled to annual AIP grant funding each year.

Senator Cramer also helped secure numerous items the City of Fargo could benefit from pertaining to agriculture, including:

  • A prohibition on the closure of Farm Service Agency County Offices.
  • A $2 million increase for the establishment of a Midwest Center of Agriculture policy at North Dakota State University. 
  • An increase in funds for the circuit rider program through USDA Rural Development for rural water systems. This includes funding of up to $25 million.
  • An additional $1.5 million for AgTech cooperative agreements to support the research, development, and acceleration of agriculture technology. An existing cooperative agreement between North Dakota State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service and Grand Farm could benefit from this funding.
  • An additional $500,000 for the Pulse Crop Health Initiative, administered through the Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center.