Release No. HI-03-11

                                                                                                     Media Contact: Lorraine P. Shin (808) 933-8302
Thao Khamoui (808) 933-8309
                

USDA Rural Development Approved $50,000 Under the Technical and Supervisory Assistance
Grant for Hawaii County

Hilo, Hawaii, July 25, 2003 – Lorraine P. Shin , State Director, announced the approval of a $50,000 grant to the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council.  USDA Rural Development funds will be used for rural residents of Hawaii County , especially Native Hawaiians, to obtain and/or maintain occupancy of adequate housing.  This assistance will take the form of educational outreach programs and face-to-face budgeting and financial counseling.  The program will be available to low-income persons seeking to qualify for a Rural Housing Service loan or loan from other financial institutions.  The program is also available to those who already own a home and are in jeopardy of foreclosure due to current financial problems.

 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 our local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Release No. HI-03-14

 Media Contact: Lorraine P. Shin (808) 933-8302
Steven R. Chapman (808) 933-8318

USDA Rural Development Announces $5,000,000 Guaranteed Loan for Project in Lahaina, Maui

        Hilo , Hawaii , August 22, 2003 – Lorraine P. Shin, State Director, announced the approval of a conditional commitment for a $5,000,000 guaranteed loan to Lahaina Theme Park, Inc.  The loan was made under the Business and Industry (B&I) Loan Guaranteed Loan Program which provides for guaranteed loans made by commercial lenders.  The primary purpose of this program is to create and maintain employment and improve the economic climate in rural areas, which includes all areas other than cities or towns with a population greater than 50,000.

        Rural Development funds will be used for the development and operation of a water-theme park and family entertainment center in the Lahaina Business Park on Maui .  The total project cost is estimated at $6,500,000 and is expected to initially create 34 jobs.  The lender for this project is Bridgeview Capital Solutions, LLC of Atlanta, Georgia.

        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 our local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA’s web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Media Contact:  Lorraine P. Shin  (808) 933-8302
Ted Matsuo (808) 933-8310

          Hilo , Hawaii , August 25, 2003 – Lorraine P. Shin, State Director, announced the approval of a $2,575,000 Grant and $690,500 Loan under the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Program to the Kosrae State Government.  The funds will provide safe drinking water to approximately 383 households (2,681 residents) in Lelu Municipality .  Water will be extracted from the Tafuyat River , Tofol River , and Innem River .  Improvements will include upgrading intake structures and the treatment facility at Tofol, constructing storage tanks, and constructing distribution lines to service the residents.  Construction will be completed within 1 ½ years from the start date.  

       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 our local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA’s web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Release No. HI-03-16

Alisa Harrison (202) 720-4623

Tim McNeilly (202) 690-0498
Timothy O'Connell (808) 933-8313

USDA ANNOUNCES OVER $21 MILLION TO SUPPORT RURAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY EFFORTS

        HILO, Hawaii, August 25, 2003---The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the selection of 113 applications for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement grants in 24 states totaling $21,207,233, including over $1.2 million for nine recipients from Iowa. 

        In the State of Hawaii, Lorraine P. Shin, State Director, announced the selection of two applications for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement grants.  Luana Farms will receive a $14,105 grant, and Mr. Thunder Coffee Farm will receive a $46,861 grant.  The grants will provide up to 25% of the cost of a 5 kWh (Luana Farms) and 20 kWh (Mr. Thunder Coffee Farm) photovoltaic system (solar) to offset the energy usage of their organic coffee farms located in Holualoa, Hawaii County.  

        The grant program is part of the Bush Administration’s overall effort to increase America’s energy independence through the development of renewable energy resources as well as improving efficiency of existing systems.

        “America’s rural businesses, farmers and ranchers are key to the development of renewable energy for our country,” Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr said during a press conference in Iowa.  “The capital investments being made through these grants will support the conversion of our natural resources and residuals of farming operations into new sources of energy and help meet the energy goals outlined by President Bush in 2001.”  

        The 2002 Farm Bill authorized the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements program. Applicants for the funding include agricultural producers or rural small businesses, U.S. citizens or legal residents and have demonstrated financial need.  Rural Development grant funds can be used to pay up to 25 percent of the eligible project costs.  Eligible projects include those that derive energy from a wind, solar, biomass, or geothermal source, or hydrogen derived from biomass or water using wind, solar, or geothermal energy sources. Awards were made on a competitive basis for the purchase of renewable energy systems and to make energy improvements.

        Funding to assist with the development of renewable energy systems included: 35 applications totaling $7.4 million to support wind power, 30 applications totaling $7 million for anaerobic digesters, 6 applications totaling $1.1 million solar and 16 applications totaling $3.9 million for a ethanol plants/anaerobic digesters, direct combustion and fuel pellet systems. Awards were made on a competitive basis for the purchase of renewable energy systems and to make energy improvements.

  The following is a complete list of approved project dollars by state:

A list of selected applicants can be found at the USDA Rural Development web site at: www.rurdev.usda.gov.

 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.

Release No. HI-03-17

Alisa Harrison (202) 720-4623
Tim McNeilly (202) 720-1019
Steven R. Chapman (808) 933-8318

VENEMAN ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT OF $13 MILLION IN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR RURAL AMERICA

Funding to Create or Save Over 6,000 Rural Jobs/1,100 Rural Business Ventures

        WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2003 - Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the selection of 115 loan and grant recipients in 42 states that will receive $13.1 million in rural business development funds.  The loans and grants are expected to assist in creating or saving over 6,000 rural jobs and supports 1,166 business ventures as part of the Bush Administration’s ongoing efforts to spur economic development in rural areas.

        “These partnership investments with local communities help bring economic growth and employment opportunities to rural areas,” said Veneman. “This assistance underscores the commitment of the Bush Administration to a vibrant and healthy rural America.”

        “Competition for the energy and ingenuity of our rural youth is fierce, we must make the necessary rural venture capital investments to provide incentives for young families to remain or return to rural America,” said USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr.  

        The assistance includes Rural Business Enterprise Grants, Rural Business Opportunity Grants and Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants. The grants and loans are awarded through USDA Rural Development to local organizations, which in turn administer the funds in local efforts. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including revolving business loan funds, studies, technical assistance, community facilities, improving medical care and communications, and other projects that encourage a favorable climate for jobs and growth.  Many of the awards are made in conjunction with assistance from other sources, “leveraging” USDA funds for greater effect. A list of the awards can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/newsroom/2003

        In the State of Hawaii, Lorraine P. Shin, State Director, announced the selection of two grant recipients in rural business development funds.  Mano Wai Corporation of Lihue, Kauai, received a $20,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant to be used to provide marketing assistance and feasibility assessments in support of economic and workforce development in underserved rural communities.  Hawaii Primary Care Association received a $26,830 Rural Business Enterprise Grant for technical assistance in support of the planning and development of a full-service community governed community health center on the Island of Molokai.  The project is expected to create ten new jobs.

        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, liquidity, 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 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Release No. HI-03-18

                                                                                    Lorraine P. Shin (808) 933-8302
Thao Khamoui (808) 933-8309
Joseph M. Diego, (671) 472-7272

    USDA PROVIDES $648,356 TO SPARK RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC

        HILO, Hawii, August 26, 2003 — Lorraine P. Shin, Hawaii State Director for Rural Development, announced the selection of 15 projects in economically distressed communities in the Western Pacific that will receive $648,356 in Community Facilities Economic Impact Initiative Grants. The grants will assist in the development of important community services and facilities in areas of high unemployment and economic depression.

        “Rural areas across the country will benefit from these grants which will be used for medical, educational, fire fighting, maintenance and child care facilities,” said Shin.  “This Administration continues its efforts to strengthen rural communities through programs such as the ones being announced today.” 

        The grants are made available through a special initiative under the Community Facilities program of USDA Rural Development. The projects must be essential community facilities and services for public use in rural communities with populations of less than 20,000 that have a not employed rate of at least 19 percent. The grants provide facilities for community health care, cultural and educational activities, fire, rescue and public safety and public building and improvement.

        "I am very pleased that rural communities in the Western Pacific will receive benefits from this initiative," said Shin.   Based on the applications and selection criteria the $648,356 of funds for the WESTERN PACIFIC will finance projects in the following communities:  

POHNPEI

·         Kolonia Town Government - $22,550 to purchase town police vehicles 
·         Conservation Society of Pohnpei - $18,750 to purchase a sport utility vehicle
·         College of Micronesia - $37,070 to construct a Student Service Center  

KOSRAE  

·         Kosrae State Government - $140,250 to purchase 2 new school buses to safely transport the students to/from school and other government sponsored events.
·         Department of Health Services - $71,400 to assist in the purchase of much needed medical equipment to complete the rehabilitation package for the only hospital in the State of Kosrae .
·         Kosrae Seventh Day Adventist School - $21,750 to purchase a school bus to safely transport students to/from their villages and to school related events.

YAP

·         Yap Community Action Program - $18,860 to purchase a lawn tractor for the Ulithi Women’s Association
·         Yap Community Action Program - $4,275 to purchase a community vehicle for Asor Island , Ulithi Atoll.

REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

·         Mili Atoll Milerlok Local Government - $70,530 to purchase one boat, and construct a community center and town hall.
·         Ministry of Justice - $61,738 to assist in the purchase of six vehicles.
·         Arno Atoll Local Government - $43,500 to purchase two boats.
·         Lae Atoll Local Government - $43,134 to construct a community center for the atolls of Lae and Ujae, and the small island of Lib.  
·         Likiep Atoll Local Government - $36,781 to improve the physical conditions for the atoll schools and to purchase  additional books and learning materials.
·         Arno Atoll Local Government - $30,167 to purchase three pick-up trucks.
·         Ebon Atoll Municipal Government - $27,601 for renovation/repair of Ebon Atoll - Toka Island Dispensary

        Grant funds are available to eligible public entities, nonprofit corporations, special purpose districts and tribal governments. Communities having the lowest populations and lowest median incomes were given selection priority. The project's economic feasibility and the financial status of the applicant were also considered.

        USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs and administers program assistance through three agencies: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities Service. Further information on USDA Rural Development is available by visiting the Hawaii State Office Homepage at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/hi/  or by contacting Joseph M. Diego, Rural Development Manager, at the Guam Area Office by calling (671) 472-7361/2.

Release No. HI-03-19

                                                                                    Lorraine P. Shin (808) 933-8302
Thao Khamoui (808) 933-8309

USDA Rural Development Announces $100,000 Community Facilities Grant for Molokai Project

        Hilo , Hawaii , September 3, 2003 —Lorraine P. Shin, State Director, announced the approval of a $100,000 grant to Molokai Ohana Health Care.  The grant was made under the Community Facilities Program which provides loans and grants for essential facilities in rural communities through nonprofits or public bodies.

        Rural Development funds will be used to establish a clinic in a new federally qualified community health center on Molokai that will provide primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care.  The dental component will bring services to a community that has some of the greatest unmet dental treatment needs in the nation.  

        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.  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 our local USDA Rural Development office, by visiting USDA’s website at www.rurdev.usda.gov. or the Hawaii State Office Homepage at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/hi/.

Please send any comments or suggestions to:
mailto: melissa.pangching@hi.usda.gov

Revised on: 9/4/03