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

CARPER VISITS THE TOWN OF DELMAR

Delmar, DE October 19, 2007 – Ms. Donna Haney, Site Manager and Mr. Richard Hearn, Maintenance Manager were recognized by Senator Tom Carper and Ms. Marlene Elliott, USDA Rural Development State Director for their work at Golden Meadows Apartments located on Golden Lane in Delmar.

The two are employed by Corporation for Shelter Management based in Olney, MD to manage a federally financed property that is home to some 31 residents.

 “Donna and Richard are the epitome of the Golden Rule and are treating others the way they want to be treated,” said Senator Carper.  “It is obvious by this recognition how well thought-of they are. They make Golden Meadows a wonderful place for people to live.”

Each year, Rural Development recognizes a site manager that makes sure the day-to-day operations go smoothly.  Nominations for site managers and maintenance managers are submitted by the tenants of the property and are rated on 3 factors: 1) The level of tenant satisfaction with the manager; 2) The curb appeal of the manager’s property; and 3) The manager consistently doing more than the job requires.

“Apartment managers play an important role in the success of USDA Rural Development’s Multi-Family Housing Program,” said Elliott.  “They ensure that the properties are a safe environment, well maintained, and meet the needs of the residents.”

Elliott added, “Both Donna and Richard are deserving of this award that was documented so well in the glowing nominations that were received from the tenants.”

Richard Hearn and Donna Haney are a father and daughter team.  Before becoming site manager of the Golden Meadows property, Donna Haney served her community as a nurse for 16 years and Richard Hearn was a master electrician for 25 years.  Haney said, “My father taught me work ethics.  When he takes on an assignment, you know the job will be done.”  Golden Meadows is a 32 unit apartment complex serving seniors.  The apartments opened in 1996 with the support of a USDA Rural Development loan in the amount of $1.5 million.

Following the awards ceremony, the Delmar Police Chief was on hand to accept a $50,000 grant presented to the Town that will help them purchase two new police cars.  The grant funds were provided through Rural Development’s community facilities program.

“Today we are recognizing those who serve their community,” said Senator Carper.  “The Delmar police department serves not one, but two communities for Delmar, DE and Delmar, MD.  This grant will help ensure that they have the vehicles and equipment needed to provide for a safe environment.”

            Rural Development has over 40 programs to help improve the quality of life and increase economic opportunity in rural America.  “The funding provided to the Town of Delmar is a return of the people’s money that will help ensure the community remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family,” said Elliott.  “Through the assistance of Rural Development’s programs, emergency and other vital services are being enhanced for more communities.”

            Over the past year, Rural Development has supported eight projects in rural Delaware and rural Maryland that have provided firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel with the facilities and equipment they need to protect property, uphold the law and save lives.  Seven of the eight projects supported were in the form of grants.  Altogether, it represents a return of $678,045 of federal taxpayer funds to small towns like Clayton, DE; Harrington, DE; Snow Hill, MD; and Pocomoke City, MD

USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities.  Last year, the agency returned over $185 million to rural Maryland.  They have over 40 loan, grant and loan guarantee 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 located in Dover at (302) 857-3580, their Georgetown Office at (302) 856-3990, ext. 5 or by visiting their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.  TTY users should call (302) 857-3585.

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