@@On Friday, June 3 2011, Greg Batson, Area Director for USDA Rural Development, presented two certificates of appreciation to the Greenville R-II School District. The District was awarded two $50,000 Community Facility Grants through USDA Rural Development for new playground equipment at the Elementary Schools in Greenville and Williamsville.

The new Elementary School at Greenville was completed in the summer of 2010 and accommodates approximately 350 students in grades Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. Williamsville Elementary houses approximately 75 students in grades Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. The new playground equipment, at both locations, is all-inclusive play structures including sliding, climbing and balance features, and swings.

“Funding important projects like this playground equipment will provide a safe place for exercise and physical activity for the school children,” said Janie Dunning, Missouri Rural Development State Director. “Appreciation is extended to our federal elected officials supporting Rural Development. They have been strong proponents for the necessary funding for essential services for rural Missourians.”

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.

Anyone interested in obtaining information regarding assistance available through USDA Rural Development may visit the Missouri Rural Development home page at www.rurdev.usda.gov/mo. Information can also be obtained by contacting Becky Eftink, Area Specialist, at the USDA Rural Development Office at 18450 Ridgeview Lane, Dexter, MO or by telephone at (573) 624-5939, ext. 4.

“Committed to the future of rural communities.”

“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.”

To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W.,

Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).