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NEWS RELEASE 1303
SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 16, 2005
Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701
Tour Ft. Scott Fire Damage
TOPEKA, KS – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks announced today that he will travel to Ft. Scott on Friday to review the damage that occurred during the fire which occurred in City’s historic downtown district on March 11 th. The tour and inspection of the damage will provide the Agency the opportunity to evaluate the needs of local businesses and residents of the community, and how the Agency might be able assist. Ft. Scott lost nine historic buildings during last week’s fire, with damage estimated at $10 million dollars.
During Friday’s tour, State Director Banks will be joined by staff from the offices of U.S. Senator Sam Brownback, U.S Senator Pat Roberts, 2 nd District Congressman Jim Ryun, and Agency staff from the USDA Rural Development office in Iola. Following the tour, State Director Banks and the Agency staff plan to meet with local community and business leaders to discuss those USDA Rural Development programs that could provide assistance for the community.
USDA Rural Development’s financial and technical assistance includes business and community facility programming which includes funding for commercial businesses and essential community projects. Business loans may be guaranteed through a local financial institution for eligible ‘for-profit’ and ‘non-profit’ entities. Community facility loans, both guaranteed and direct, may be made to public bodies and non-profit entities for projects that provide public service, public safety and health care. During Fiscal Year 2004, USDA Rural Development programming delivered an all-time record $152 million in financial investments for Kansas communities, businesses and families.
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 and its programs, log onto the Agency’s website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks or call either the USDA Rural Development office in Iola at 620-365-2901 or the State Headquarters at 785-271-2702.
USDA Rural Development – Committed to the future of rural communities.
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