USDA ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN OHIO
Funds to Assist With Economic and Community Development

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 19, 2002 -Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced over $10 million in guaranteed loans in U.S. Department of Agriculture funds to assist local economic and community development in rural Ohio. U.S. Representatives Pat Tiberi and Deborah Pryce joined Secretary Veneman in making the announcements.

"Ohio citizens will benefit from USDA investments in these projects," said Veneman. "These loans and grants will help spur economic development and job growth in rural communities."

Veneman made the following funding announcements while visiting here today:

Ohio Eastern Star Home (Knox County) - $4,385,000 community facility direct and guaranteed loan package ($3,285,000 direct loan/ $1,100,000 loan guarantee). Funds will be used to construct an addition to their existing nursing home facility. The facility will include a 24-bed dementia wing, a link corridor to the nursing home and an enclosed courtyard.

Geauga County - $2,400,000 wastewater loan and grant package ($1,440,000 loan/ $960,000 grant). Funds will be used to construct a new sanitary sewer collection system and wastewater treatment plant. The new system is expected to provide service to 206 customers. The loan portion will have a 40-year repayment period at an interest rate of 4.75%.

Benton Ridge, Ohio (Knox County) - $1,138,000 wastewater loan and grant package ($683,000 loan/ $455,000 grant). Funds will be used to eliminate possible health hazards by treating and properly discharging treated sewage in the Village of Benton Ridge. The improvements are expected to serve 130 customers. The loan portion will have a 40-year repayment period at an interest rate of 4.75%.

Geneva, Ohio - $600,000 community facility loan and grant package ($590,000 loan/ $10,000 grant). Funds will be used to purchase a new fire truck and dispatch/radio system for the City of Geneva. The loan portion will have a 15-year repayment period at an interest rate of 4.75%.

Mt. Cory, Ohio (Hancock County) - $891,000 wastewater loan and grant package ($535,000 loan/ $356,000 grant). Funds will be used to construct a new sanitary sewer collection system for the Village of Mt. Cory, Ohio. The new system will serve 105 customers. The loan portion will have a 40-year repayment period at an interest rate of 4.75%.

Scott Township (Adams County) - $315,000 community facility loan and grant package ($265,000 loan/ $50,000 grant). Funds will be used to construct a new 7,200 square foot fire station. The loan portion will have a 30-year repayment period at an interest rate of 4.75%.

Muskingum County - $183,000 business and industry loan guarantee. The county will use the funds to refinance and renovate a commercial building that will house a national discount retailer.

Wayne Metropolitan Housing Authority - $50,000 community facility loan. Funds will be used to purchase a three-bedroom, two-bath house for use as a community home for individuals with disabilities.

Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development, Athens, Ohio - $49,284 rural business opportunity grant. Funds will be used to assist with economic and community development planning activities, including the development of a web-based marketing for arts and crafts and food producers, and establishes an Appalachian Center for Community Technology and form an Appalachian Business and Professional organization.

USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs and administers financial and technical 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 the USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov .

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