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NEWS RELEASE
1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 31, 2004 Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701
USDA Rural Development Participates in Council Grove Hospital Dedication
Council Grove, KS – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks joined State Rep. Bill Kassebaum and State Senator Jim Barnett, along with other local officials and citizens, Sunday afternoon in the dedication of the newly remodeled Morris County Hospital located in Council Grove. USDA Rural Development provided $1.45 million towards the $6.2 million improvement project.
“Providing quality health care is a critical component to improving economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for our rural Kansas communities and its citizens. USDA Rural Development programs provide the opportunity for rural Kansas to upgrade local health care facilities,” commented State Director Banks.
“Upgrading our hospital was essential for its continued successful operation. We appreciate USDA Rural Development’s involvement in this important improvement project,” remarked Morris County Hospital CEO Jim Reagan.
In assisting with the Morris County Hospital remodeling project, USDA Rural Development provided a $1 million Community Facility Program loan, along with a $450,000 rural economic development loan in partnership with the Flint Hills Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The Morris County Hospital serves the seven community region surrounding and including Council Grove.
During the dedication ceremony, State Director Banks thanked the Kansas Congressional Delegation, especially Senators Brownback and Roberts along with Congressman Moran, for their continued support of the many USDA Rural Development programs which assist rural Kansans.
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, the Agency 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
USDA Rural Development – Committed to the Future of Rural Communities.
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