WASHINGTON, July 17, 2003—Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the awarding of nearly $15 million to seven states with the funds to be used to provide, develop and improve energy services in rural areas with extremely high energy costs. The grants will help assure access to reliable energy services.

“The Bush Administration is committed to investing in rural America,” said Veneman. “These grants will help provide affordable energy to local communities and help America grow and create new jobs.”

The funds announced today are being provided for the first time through USDA Rural Development’s High Energy Cost Program. Grants area available for improvement of energy generation and distribution facilities serving communities with extremely high energy costs. Grants may be used for the acquisition, construction, installation, repair, replacement or improvement of energy generation, transmission or distribution facilities in communities with extremely high energy costs.

The following is a complete list of approved project dollars by state. A description of each funding recipient can be found at the USDA Rural Development web site at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/newsroom/2003/highenergy.html .

Alaska - $3,355,522
Arizona - $173,000
California - $3,000,000
Hawaii - $1,108,548
Idaho - $3,775,000
Maine - $2,633,522
Washington - $888,408

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov .

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