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For Immediate Release – August 29, 2003Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701 |
USDA Rural Development Conducts Listening Tour Across Southwest Kansas
Topeka, KS – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks announced the completion of the third in a series of Agency “2003 Listening Tour” stops in Kansas. The latest tour, consisting of meetings with business, economic development and housing officials across southwest Kansas, included visits to Dodge City, Elkhart, Garden City, Liberal and Ulysses.
State Director Banks commented, “The numerous economic development and housing programs available through USDA Rural Development, which will benefit over 118,000 rural Kansans from over $126 million in funding during the last fiscal year, play a vital role in meeting some of the many challenges facing our State. The programs offered by our Agency can provide the opportunity to create new jobs, which enhances economic prosperity and the quality of life for all Kansans.”
In an effort to assist USDA Rural Development in Kansas to evaluate the effectiveness of its services, the visits were made to discuss Agency’s rural business and housing programs. State Director Banks also joined U.S. Senator Sam Brownback at several town hall meetings which covered the issues of population loss in rural areas, and the challenges facing Kansas and the High Plains region as a result of this situation.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs that support increasing economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for rural Americans. As a venture capital entity, USDA Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure in rural America.
For additional information regarding USDA Rural Development programs, individuals may call the Agency’s state headquarters at 785-271-2702 or log onto the state’s Rural Development website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks
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