LAURINBURG, N.C. Sept. 19, 2005 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner today announced $9 million in funding for construction of a covered equestrian arena for St. Andrews Presbyterian College. Funds will be made available through the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Loan Program.

"The funding for St. Andrews exhibits the commitment by the Bush Administration and Congress in supporting rural America," said Conner. "Community Facility loans assist rural communities to finance essential public structures and services, while helping to attract and retain businesses that provide jobs for their residents."

Joining Conner were Congressman Robin Hayes, John Cooper, USDA Rural Development North Carolina State Director and St. Andrew's College President John Deegan, Jr.

"I am pleased that St. Andrews Presbyterian College will receive this much needed funding," said Hayes. "Improving educational opportunity is critical to students looking to enter the workforce and businesses looking to employ workers with proven skills. Rural Development loans provide critical funding to organizations looking to expand and offer more employment opportunities to the community. While St. Andrews' students might be the direct beneficiaries of this funding, the entire Laurinburg community will benefit as well."

In addition to the arena, the loan will fund the renovation of seven campus buildings. The planned renovations will significantly update the campus facilities and enable St. Andrews to continue its goal of strengthening its education mission, enhancing economic development and increasing the student base. So far in 2005, USDA Rural Development has invested a total of over $188 Million in North Carolina through its Community Facilities programs (including disaster relief).

Since the college opened in 1961, St. Andrews Presbyterian College has had a profound economic and cultural impact on the city of Laurinburg and rural communities in Scotland County. The presence of the college has been critical to the location of manufacturing facilities in the area and has spurred growth in the health care and retirement industries. With its 200 acre main campus, 300 acre equestrian center, 200 employees and 750 students, St. Andrews provides jobs, educational services, cultural opportunities and a highly educated workforce to the businesses, industries and citizens of Scotland County. More than 300 graduates have chosen to remain in Scotland County after graduation.

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 $54 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 one million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office