JPA approves $2M construction line for Hankinson housing and loans for local businesses
July 14, 2026 | Richland County, North Dakota
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The Richland Wilkin Joint Powers Authority on June 9 approved a $2 million construction line of credit for the Hankinson Housing Authority to build four twin homes (eight units), and also authorized a loan to help the Hankinson CDC secure Doc’s Pub assets.
The decisions followed staff and applicant presentations. Nathan Berseth told the Board Signature Homes is the contractor and Lincoln State Bank will provide permanent financing upon project completion. Perry Miller moved to approve the construction line of credit with an initial interest rate of 1 percent that increases to 4 percent after eight months; Jon Braton seconded and the motion carried.
Why it matters: the loan is intended to finance construction of four twin homes in Hankinson, which the JPA said will fill local rental demand and follow permanent bank financing at completion. Berseth also noted the JPA’s 8‑plex in Hankinson is fully rented, signaling local rental demand.
In a separate action, Bob Wurl appeared for the Hankinson CDC to seek JPA support for the community share on a Bank of North Dakota flex loan tied to the planned purchase of Doc’s Pub and Eatery (owned by Mark Schaffer). The CDC proposes to buy the building and lease it to a new LLC formed by a young couple; the CDC would lease to them at an affordable rate with graduated rent as the business stabilizes. The CDC requested the JPA cover the 25 percent community share—about $29,000. Berseth said he would consider supporting the request as a loan rather than a grant. Perry Miller moved to approve the request as a loan; Eric Klindt seconded and the motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote.
The Board also approved a lease and option agreement for 305 Prairie Drive North in Hankinson. Amy Clark reviewed terms proposing a five‑year lease at $2,000 per month, an option to purchase the home for $380,000 with a $10,000 option fee, and that part of rental proceeds would apply to the purchase price if the option is exercised. Perry Miller moved to approve the lease and option agreement, Braton seconded and the motion carried.
Other notes: Mario Cristaldo asked the Board to reconsider prior financing for twin homes in Wahpeton; Berseth said the JPA supports the project but wants to see Cristaldo’s current ‘red house’ project finished and directed staff to add the item to next month’s agenda.
The Board’s motions were recorded as carried; where roll‑call votes were specified those were unanimous.
The decisions followed staff and applicant presentations. Nathan Berseth told the Board Signature Homes is the contractor and Lincoln State Bank will provide permanent financing upon project completion. Perry Miller moved to approve the construction line of credit with an initial interest rate of 1 percent that increases to 4 percent after eight months; Jon Braton seconded and the motion carried.
Why it matters: the loan is intended to finance construction of four twin homes in Hankinson, which the JPA said will fill local rental demand and follow permanent bank financing at completion. Berseth also noted the JPA’s 8‑plex in Hankinson is fully rented, signaling local rental demand.
In a separate action, Bob Wurl appeared for the Hankinson CDC to seek JPA support for the community share on a Bank of North Dakota flex loan tied to the planned purchase of Doc’s Pub and Eatery (owned by Mark Schaffer). The CDC proposes to buy the building and lease it to a new LLC formed by a young couple; the CDC would lease to them at an affordable rate with graduated rent as the business stabilizes. The CDC requested the JPA cover the 25 percent community share—about $29,000. Berseth said he would consider supporting the request as a loan rather than a grant. Perry Miller moved to approve the request as a loan; Eric Klindt seconded and the motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote.
The Board also approved a lease and option agreement for 305 Prairie Drive North in Hankinson. Amy Clark reviewed terms proposing a five‑year lease at $2,000 per month, an option to purchase the home for $380,000 with a $10,000 option fee, and that part of rental proceeds would apply to the purchase price if the option is exercised. Perry Miller moved to approve the lease and option agreement, Braton seconded and the motion carried.
Other notes: Mario Cristaldo asked the Board to reconsider prior financing for twin homes in Wahpeton; Berseth said the JPA supports the project but wants to see Cristaldo’s current ‘red house’ project finished and directed staff to add the item to next month’s agenda.
The Board’s motions were recorded as carried; where roll‑call votes were specified those were unanimous.
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