@@ATHENS- July 5, 2012 Seventeen Georgia entities have been selected to receive the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG). Rural Development’s RBEG program provides grants for rural projects that finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses and help fund employment related adult education programs. Georgia funding totals $767,000. A list of all recipients can be viewed at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/ga_bp-rbeg_recipients2012.pdf or at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/gabusinessprograms.html

“These funds being provided today will foster an environment for job creation and economic growth” said Quinton Robinson, acting state director. Since taking office, President Obama's Administration has taken significant steps to improve the lives of rural Americans and has provided broad support for rural communities. The Obama Administration has set goals of modernizing infrastructure by providing broadband access to 10 million Americans, expanding educational opportunities for students in rural areas, and providing affordable health care. In the long term, these unparalleled rural investments will help ensure that America’s rural communities are repopulating, self-sustaining and thriving economically.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $155 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

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