Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program

The Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program is administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) and is designed to support infrastructure improvements that facilitate the development or expansion of value-added agriculture businesses. The program's mission centers on enhancing economic activity in rural communities by improving roadway, bridge, and utility infrastructure that directly serves agriculture-based enterprises. It is a targeted initiative focusing on long-term infrastructure needs in North Dakota’s smaller cities and counties, particularly those with populations of 1,500 or less. This grant program is bifurcated into two key funding categories: roadway and bridge improvements, and utility improvements. For roadway and bridge enhancements, eligible applicants include counties, townships, or cities with populations not exceeding 1,500. These applicants may apply for up to $1,250,000 or 80% of the project cost, whichever is less. Eligible projects include corridor improvements and access routes to value-added agricultural businesses. For utility improvements, political subdivisions and entities may apply for up to $350,000 or 80% of project costs. However, cities are not eligible under the utility improvement track. Eligible utility projects include improvements to water and wastewater lines, as well as gas and electrical supply lines necessary to support value-added agricultural operations. The program emphasizes partnerships between agricultural businesses and local political subdivisions. Value-added agricultural businesses—defined according to North Dakota Century Code 4.1-01.1-07—are encouraged to work closely with eligible political subdivisions to submit proposals that improve the physical infrastructure leading to or supporting their facilities. These enhancements are expected to deliver measurable economic returns and strengthen agricultural prosperity across North Dakota. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed continuously until all allocated funds are expended or the biennium period ends. There is no fixed application deadline, and the Agriculture Commissioner reserves up to 60 days to make a decision following submission. Applications must be complete and include supporting documents such as a detailed construction cost estimate, project maps, existing and proposed cross sections, and utility maps. Roadway and bridge applications are reviewed in consultation with the director of the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). Awardees are required to adhere to specific reporting requirements, including interim updates on budget and timeline compliance and a final report documenting project completion. All financial documentation is subject to audit by the NDDA and the North Dakota Auditor’s Office. Reimbursement of project expenses is issued monthly or quarterly, provided the necessary documentation is submitted. The program also allows for an onsite project verification before final disbursement of grant funds. For assistance or more information, applicants can contact Daniel Ratajczak, Ag Development Specialist, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 701-955-0578. Applications should be mailed to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 602, Bismarck, ND 58505-0020. The guidelines were made effective as of August 1, 2025.