WASHINGTON, October 16, 2006-Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the appointment of former U.S. Representative Clyde C. Holloway as Louisiana State Director for USDA Rural Development.

"As a former member of the House of Representatives and member of the Agriculture Committee, Mr. Holloway brings a wealth of knowledge to USDA and we're pleased that he will head up our Rural Development efforts in Louisiana," said Johanns.

In addition to serving on the Agriculture Committee, Holloway, who served in the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1993, was a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Committee on Small Business, as well as the House Select Committee on Children, Youth and Families. Holloway was the Republican nominee for Governor of Louisiana in 1991.

A business owner, Holloway also serves on the board of directors of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Central Louisiana Association of Nurserymen. He lives in Forest Hill, Louisiana.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural communities. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested over $72 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. Over 1.2 million 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.