USDA PROVIDES NEARLY $6 MILLION TO SPARK RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN 39 STATES

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2002-- Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr today announced the selection of nearly 100 projects totaling $5.8 million in competitive grant funds for rural economic and community development in 39 states.

"These economic development projects will help create jobs and spur economic growth in rural communities throughout the U.S.," said Dorr. "Projects range from education and academic buildings to community centers and firefighting and emergency medical services. The completion of these facilities will provide important infrastructure for these rural communities."

The grants were made available through the Community Facilities program of USDA Rural Development's Rural Housing Service. Rural Development offers assistance to develop essential community facilities and services for public use in rural communities with populations of less than 20,000.

Grant funds are available to eligible public entities, nonprofit corporations and tribal governments. The funds provide for community service facilities including fire and rescue buildings/equipment, streets, utilities, community buildings, libraries, hospitals, clinics and day-care centers. Funding of individual recipients will be contingent upon meeting the conditions of the grant agreement.

Selected states and grant totals include:

Alaska - $50,000 Alabama - $29,250 Arizona - $125,000

Arkansas - $135,143 California - $254,802 Connecticut - $50,000

Illinois - $4,946 Iowa - $202,500 Idaho - $75,000

Kansas - $40,000 Louisiana - $224,459 Massachusetts - $5,250

Maine - $143,450 Michigan - $135,000 Minnesota - $354,820

Mississippi - $186,430 Missouri - $228,865 Montana - $535,400

Nebraska - $150,000 New Hampshire - $3,345 New Jersey - $150,000

New Mexico - $143,154 New York - $125,000 North Dakota - $330,310

Ohio - $26,000 Oregon - $79,000 Pennsylvania - $83,890

Puerto Rico - $150,000 South Dakota - $460,419 Tennessee - $78,576

Texas - $36,500 Utah - $96,000 Vermont - $200,750

Virginia - $213,130 Washington - $268,150 West Virginia - $65,000

Western Pacific - $119,325 Wisconsin - $102,410 Wyoming - $102,233

A complete list of the selected individual grant recipients and projects can be found at:

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/newsroom/2002/cfg.html .

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 or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov .

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