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 13, 2004
Contact - Harold Alford  (785) 271-2701

USDA Rural Development Conducts
Southwest Kansas Listening Tour

Ulysses, KS - USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks, along with representatives of Pioneer Electric Cooperative, conducted a listening tour through southwest Kansas today. The purpose of the tour was to meet with regional community and economic development leaders in Ulysses, along with visiting local businesses in Hugoton who have utilized USDA Rural Development programs.

“USDA Rural Development appreciates the opportunity to meet with community leaders to determine community needs to achieve the goal of improving economic development and enhancing the quality of life. USDA Rural Development offers a wide range of rural business, housing and infrastructure financing programs to help meet this important goal,” commented State Director Banks.

During the listening tour, Almar Manufacturing of Hugoton was presented with a ceremonial check for $450,000 representing a zero-interest loan that has been approved by USDA Rural Development and administered through Pioneer Electric Cooperative. The funding will assist Almar to expand their manufacturing operations. Almar Manufacturing, with twenty employees serving the home spa accessory industry, has sales throughout the United States and twenty-five foreign countries.

The tour also included a visit to the Stevens County Hospital to view the new emergency room currently under construction. Financing for the new emergency room has been assisted by a $200,000 grant from USDA Rural Development through Pioneer Electric Cooperative. The Stevens County home health care facility previously received a grant from USDA Rural Development through Pioneer Electric Cooperative $200,000 grant also from USDA Rural Development through Pioneer Electric Cooperative.

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 785-271-2702 or log onto the state’s Agency’s website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks

USDA Rural Development – Committed to the future of rural communities.

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