24 STATES SELECTED FOR $6.1 MILLION IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

WASHINGTON, June 27, 2002 - Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced today the selection of 51 grant recipients to receive more than $6.1 million in rural business opportunity grant funds to assist with economic development in rural areas.

"Promoting business and community development in rural areas is an important priority for the Bush Administration," said Veneman. "These grants will provide opportunities for business expansion in rural America."

Veneman pointed out that more than 588 businesses will benefit from the grant funds, which will create or save at least 975 jobs. USDA's Rural Development Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) and Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) programs will provide the grants.

The following states will receive grants totaling $6.1 million:

Arizona - $265,221

California - $450,000

Florida - $399,600

Georgia - $183,279

Illinois - $874,500

Kentucky - $398,000

Louisiana - $50,000

Maine - $445,000

Mississippi - $372,923

Missouri - $319,999

Montana - $63,260

Nebraska - $50,000

New Mexico - $200,960

New York - $250,000

North Carolina - $300,000

North Dakota - $236,290

Oklahoma - $211,070

Oregon - $250,000

South Carolina - $163,450

South Dakota - $100,000

Tennessee - $288,247

Utah - $46,545

Washington - $149,271

West Virginia - $92,930

A complete list of the individual grant recipients can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/newsroom/news.htm .

USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs and administers program assistance through three agencies: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities Service. Further information on USDA Rural Development can be obtained by contacting any USDA Service Center of by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ .

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