NEWS RELEASE

United States Department of Agriculture • Rural Development

1221 College Park Drive, Suite 200, Dover, DE  19904

Phone: (302) 857-3580 • Fax: (302) 857-3640 • TDD: (302) 857-3585 • Web: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

 

Congressman Castle announces support for Coverdale Crossroads

 

Bridgeville, July 5, 2007 – Congressman Michael Castle and USDA Rural Development State Director Marlene Elliott announced a Rural Development grant in the amount of $45,000 to Delaware State University (DSU) that will help support job and business creation in the Coverdale Crossroads area.

                                                                                                                                                                       

"Revitalization efforts like this are vital to helping rural communities get on the right track,” said Congressman Michael Castle.  “I applaud USDA Rural Development, Delaware State University, and the various groups and community members who are working to improve the quality of life for the residents of Coverdale Crossroads.  What is wonderful about this plan is that we are not only starting businesses but

also teaching skills that can be carried throughout life."

 

The USDA Rural Development grant is complimenting the efforts of many organizations including – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Delaware State Housing Authority, Milford Housing Development Corporation, First State Community Action Agency, Sussex County Council, Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club, and the Coverdale Crossroads Civic Association to improve the quality of life for the residents that live in the community of Coverdale Crossroads. 

                            

 USDA Rural Development State Director Marlene Elliott said, “We are delighted to support Delaware State University and be one of the many partners in this project that will help move this community forward and hopefully have a positive impact on the area for years to come.  I congratulate Delaware State University for being a leader in this initiative.”

 

The Rural Development grant is provided through the agency’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program and will help – 1) provide training and technical assistance to two new business start-ups in the area of trash collection and paving; 2) provide management assistance to three child care businesses currently located in the community; and 3) provide job and business development training to local residents.

 

            DSU began working with the community of Coverdale Crossroads in 2001 under the leadership of Dr. John Austin, who was then the chair of the Department of Social Work.  Dr. Austin is now the director of the DSU Office of Sponsored Programs and will continue to manage the Coverdale Crossroads initiative. 

 

             Other initiatives underway for this community involve a self-help housing program that will include homeownership counseling and training, home management and maintenance, budgeting, credit counseling, and more.

 USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities.  Last year, the agency returned over $53 million to rural Delaware.  They have over 40 programs that support agriculture, business opportunities, home ownership, home repair, rental housing, broadband technology, public safety, health care, education, social and cultural needs and energy related projects.  Additional information on rural programs is available by calling their State Office at (302) 857-3580 or by visiting their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

                                        

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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 Avenue, S.W.,

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