VENEMAN ANNOUNCES $75 MILLION IN GRANTS TO SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INVESTMENT IN U.S. RURAL COMMUNITIES
Grants to Fund Value-Added Products, Distance Learning & Telemedicine, and Rural Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2002-Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced more than $75 million for economic development, energy and infrastructure projects to help spur investment and create new jobs in rural communities throughout the United States.

"These grants will bring new economic opportunities and job creation for rural America," said Veneman. "The Bush administration continues to increase investment in health care, education, value-added processing and rural infrastructure which is providing renewed growth to these important sectors of our economy."

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development grants announced today support two of President Bush's pillar initiatives: economic growth and energy. These 231 grants in 43 states total over $37 million and will fund a variety of agricultural ventures such as renewable energy, agri-marketing, high-value products from major crops and commodities. These 35 projects total more than $7.2 million and will foster development of alternative energy sources (see press release # ). Recipients are required to obtain matching funds which will double the impact of the USDA grants. Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon meeting the conditions of the grant agreement. For information on applying for 2003 value-added grants visit: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm .

The Rural Utilities Service Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants will fund 71 recipients totaling more than $27 million for education and medical service in 33 states. The award of these grants will bring to rural communities access to better, faster and more modern health care, and students in rural areas will receive better equipment and learning tools and access to courses that would otherwise be unavailable. These grants help invest in infrastructure projects that assist rural communities with communications and medical services. A complete list of 2002 recipients can be found at http://www.usda.gov/rus/telcom/dlt/awards.htm .

The Rural Housing Service Community Facilities Program's Rural Community Development Initiative will fund 41 proposals in 22 states and the District of Columbia totaling nearly $12 million. Grants will help private and nonprofit community-based development organizations and low-income communities improve their ability to develop rural housing and community facilities.

These projects will help create jobs and economic investment in rural areas through direct investment and housing availability. Recipients are required to obtain matching funds which will double the impact of the USDA grants. Funding of individual recipients will be contingent upon meeting the conditions of the grant agreement. For information on 2003 funding availability and applications please visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/rcdi/index.htm .

"These grant programs are important to helping America's rural communities thrive and prosper," said Undersecretary for Rural Development Tom Dorr. "Investing in our hospitals and schools, as well as providing housing development for low income communities, helps families, creates new jobs and provides real investments in these rural areas."

A complete list of 2002 recipients can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/newsroom/news.htm .

The following is a complete list of selected project dollars by state:

Alabama - $733,262 Alaska - $1,096,223 Arizona - $1,010,822

Arkansas - $827,779 California - $4,911,267 Colorado - $1,731,796

Connecticut - $12,500 Delaware - $425,000 Florida - $629,070

Georgia - $1,724,450 Hawaii - $338,195 Idaho - $1,338,835

Illinois - $1,944,650 Indiana - $68,500 Iowa - $6,335,224

Kansas - $2,315,655 Kentucky - $966,072 Louisiana - $140,322

Maine - $2,420,649 Maryland - $843,104 Massachusetts - $1,110,000

Michigan - $1,781,216 Minnesota - $2,376,670 Mississippi - $1,523,441

Missouri - $3,384,307 Montana - $1,893,023 Nebraska - $3,043,800

New Jersey - $390,200 New York - $3,523,393 North Carolina - $79,618

North Dakota-$1,789,800 Ohio - $2,416,048 Oklahoma - $2,438,402

Oregon - $1,449,857 Pennsylvania - $2,770,788 Puerto Rico - $320,000

South Carolina - $760,000 South Dakota - $1,185,000 Tennessee - $1,918,774

Texas - $3,643,080 Utah - $742,322 Vermont - $780,469

Virginia - $1,481,749 Washington-$2,635,179 West Virginia - $369,170

Wisconsin - $1,249,912 Wyoming - $90,000 New Mexico - $552,526

District of Columbia - $1,400,000

In August, Veneman attended an economic forum in Texas, convened by President Bush, which brought federal agencies together with working Americans to examine ways to strengthen the U.S. economy and create jobs. USDA 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 and these announcements can be obtained by contacting any USDA Service Center or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.usda.gov .

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