Corrected Version

SECRETARY VENEMAN TOURS FARMING OPERATIONS IN CONNECTICUT
At Town Hall Forums Veneman Releases $6 Million in Environmental and Rural Development Projects; Announces Farm Bill Dairy Program Sign-up to Begin next Week

LEBANON, Conn., Aug. 5, 2002 - Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman toured farming operations and conducted constituent forums with Representatives Rob Simmons and Nancy Johnson today on her first trip to the state since becoming agriculture secretary.

"It is a pleasure to join Representatives Johnson and Simmons in the great state of Connecticut," said Veneman. "They both understand the critical issues associated with agriculture, the environment and rural communities and I appreciate the opportunity to visit with their constituents and announce some programs that will benefit this state."

Veneman began the day in Noank, where she toured the Noank Aquaculture Cooperative with Congressman Simmons and local oyster farmers and constituents. There, the Secretary announced a $63,000 rural business development grant to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture for upgrading the facility to increase production of oysters in this region. Specifically, the funds, provided through the Rural Business Enterprise Grant program, will be used to assist in the purchase of material to replace the roof and some interior equipment of the state-owned facility. The updated facility will allow for a higher occupancy in the building and is expected to create or save nearly 90 jobs. Veneman also awarded a $5,000 grant to the Mortlake Fire Company, Inc. of Windham County, to purchase hydraulic rescue equipment.

The Secretary then joined Congressman Simmons for a town hall meeting and lunch with local producers at Graywell Farms in Lebanon. She toured dairy operations and corn and hay production facilities. At the town hall forum, Veneman announced that USDA is making excellent progress in implementing the dairy program in the new farm bill.

"Today, I am pleased to announce that sign-up for the new dairy program will begin in the next week," said Veneman. "Producers can then go to their county Farm Service Agency offices to provide the required information for program participation."

Veneman then joined Congresswoman Nancy Johnson in Litchfield at the Connecticut Junior Republic Building for an environmental forum, dinner with local farmers and an agricultural town hall meeting. There, Veneman announced the release of a $4,714, 400 water loan and grant package to design and construct a 500,000-gallon water storage tank, a water booster pumping station, and 32,000 linear feet of water main in order to connect the Fall Mountain Lake area with the Terryville water system in the town of Plymouth, Conn.

In addition, Veneman announced more than $760,000 for Connecticut to improve soil, water and air quality on working farmlands. The funding is part of USDA's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and will provide financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers for conservation practices that improve soil, water and air quality, wildlife habitat and surface and ground water conservation on eligible agricultural land, including livestock operations.

"Congresswoman Johnson has been a supporter of strong environmental programs," said Veneman. "These funds will enable farmers and ranchers to enhance and protect soil, air and water resources. Farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of the land and this Administration continues its commitment to enhancing conservation efforts on working farmlands."

To help make repairs and rehabilitate a 72-unit existing elderly housing complex in East Granby, Veneman also announced the awarding of a $460,000 rural rental housing rehabilitation loan to Metacomet Homes, Inc.

"Safe and affordable rental housing is especially beneficial to our rural elderly residents who live independently," Veneman said.

During the environmental and agricultural forums, Secretary Veneman provided farmers with an update on farm bill implementation, international trade opportunities, the President's plan for a new homeland security department, the commitment of the Bush Administration to environmental programs, as well as other farm issues raised by participants in the forums.

For more information, and individual releases about the announcements made today, please visit USDA's website at: http://www.usda.gov .

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