NEWS RELEASE 1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66604-4040 Voice (785) 271-2701, FAX (785) 271-2708, WEB www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 2, 2004

Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701

USDA Rural Development Participates In

Norton Hospital Dedication

Norton, KS - USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks joined Norton County Hospital Administrator Richard Miller and other local citizens Sunday afternoon in dedication ceremonies for the newly remodeled Norton County Hospital located in Norton.  USDA Rural Development provided $1.6 million towards the $4.3 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 their local health care facilities,” commented State Director Banks.

“We are excited about the completion of this venture.  We appreciate USDA Rural Development’s participation. In tough economic times, USDA Rural Developments’ involvement allowed us to proceed with the renovations without a property tax increase; without an increase to the mill levy; or a general obligation bond issue. This is significantly important to the rural Kansans we serve,” remarked Administrator Miller.

In assisting with the Norton County Hospital remodeling project, USDA Rural Development provided a $950,000 Community Facility Program loan, along with a $450,000 rural economic development loan and a $200,000 rural economic development grant in partnership with the Prairieland Rural Electric Cooperative Association.  The Norton County Hospital serves the 6,000 residents of Norton County.

During the dedication ceremony, State Director Banks thanked the Kansas Congressional Delegation 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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