Interior work underway for new USDA office

A sign of renewal stands in the empty lot where the former Transcript Publishing office burned to the ground three years ago. Local firm Lesmeister Construction is building a new office for the USDA on the property, which is located on First Avenue North in downtown New Rockford. Workers recently finished installing the roof and are now working on interior systems and finish work

Kerry Smith, County Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency for Foster and Eddy Counties, said they expect the building to be complete by Nov. 30 and staff to move in the first week in December. Transcript staff plans to tour the building and interview staff at that time.