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GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES $30 MILLION INVESTMENT IN RURAL AMERICA

WASHINGTON, January 17, 2001 - Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today launched a new phase of USDA's Fund For Rural America by announcing the availability of $30 million in loans and grants to expand research, education and development efforts in rural communities.

"Community leaders throughout rural America struggle with the question of how they can bring their communities greater social and economic security," said Glickman. "The Fund For Rural America will not only bring immediate assistance to America's rural communities, it is a long-term investment that promises dividends well into the future."

Glickman directed $10 million of the funding to be offered as competitively awarded research, education, and extension grants that help promote the creation of local rural development strategies, including but not limited to establishing biomass and ethanol information sharing and market development programs.

Glickman authorized the remaining $20 million in funds to USDA programs which promote business and economic development, outreach to socially disadvantaged farmers, cooperative development, as well as natural resource and conservation efforts.

Up to $600,000 will be available for proposals that address rural community vitality and increased economic development, including the locally-owned value-added processing facilities. The program also seeks projects addressing issues dealing with demographic changes in rural America, including the aging of rural America, the role of new immigrants in the workforce, youth retention and workforce development. Funding, open to colleges, universities, and private research organizations will be administered through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. The full Request for Proposals will be available at www.reeusda.gov in the next four weeks.

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