Topeka, KS. – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks announced the completion of the first in a series of Kansas Rural Development Listening Tours stop at the final meeting in Mankato. During this first tour of meetings, Rural Development staff visited 14 communities during the week of February 3-7.

In an effort to assist Rural Development in Kansas to evaluate the effectiveness of its programs, sessions covering the Agency’s business loan and grant programs, along with rural housing opportunities, were held. A large crowd of attendees representing a wide range of business, community, public and private interests were present for the meetings.

State Director Banks commented, “The numerous economic development and housing opportunities offered by USDA Rural Development play a vital role in meeting the challenges facing many of the State’s rural citizens. Rural Kansas deserves to receive the best possible delivery of our Agency’s programs.”

During the tour, in recognition of grants awarded as part of USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Agricultural Product Development grant program, four recipients also participated in the following ceremonial check presentations:

Western Plains Energy, LLC, Quinter, Kansas received $290,615 to finance start-up cost for a 30-million gallon ethanol plant near Oakley.

Cooperative Agricultural Services, Inc., Grinnell, Kansas received $500,000 for working capital for the operation of soybean crushing facility.

21st Century Grain Processing, Manhattan, Kansas received $500,000 for working capital to expand flour milling into hard white wheat and expand their market for flour and food grade corn.

Jewell County Sunflower Processing, Randall, Kansas received $41,000 to conduct a feasibility study for a sunflower processing plant, and to develop a business plan.

State Director Banks commented, "The 2002 Farm Bill contains many excellent economic development opportunities for rural Kansas. Supporting production agriculture through the value-added grant program will provide the chance to create more jobs and enhance rural prosperity. USDA Rural Development is very pleased to provide this type financial assistance which benefits our entire State."