WASHINGTON, April 19, 2005 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the appointment of Robert M. Steptoe, III as the West Virginia State Director for USDA Rural Development.

"Robert Steptoe brings to the Bush Administration's rural development team knowledge of rural West Virginia," said Johanns. "He will coordinate the resources and partnerships needed to assist the rural communities create economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for their residents."

Steptoe, from Clarksburg, W.Va., currently serves as the legislative director for U.S. Representative Shelley Moore Capito of the 2nd District of West Virginia. Steptoe has served in this capacity and as a district representative since December of 2000. Primary areas of focus during this service have been on addressing affordable housing, transportation, infrastructure and community and economic development issues. Prior to joining Congresswoman Capito's staff, he served two years as a law clerk for the Honorable James C. Stucky of the Thirteenth Judicial District Court located in Charleston, W.Va.

Steptoe is a member of the Rotary International in Martinsburg, W.Va., and has volunteered with the United Way, W.Va. Children's Health Insurance Program and W.Va. 'Read Aloud' program. Steptoe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Colorado and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Mississippi College School of Law.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested over $50 billion since the beginning of the Bush Administration to provide equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. As a result, over 800,000 jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.