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NEWS RELEASE 1303
SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 29, 2005
Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701
USDA Rural Housing Administrator
Tours Kansas Projects
Agency Head Visits 20 Rural Kansas Communities
Topeka, KS – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks today announced that the Agency’s national housing program Administrator, Russell Davis, has completed his April 26-28 Kansas tour of thirty Kansas rural housing and community facility projects. Administrator Davis ’ visit to the State also included meetings with Junction City and Fort Riley officials regarding the planned expansion of troops at the military facility, and its expected community and economic impact on numerous rural communities.
“We are very pleased that Administrator Davis chose to visit Kansas and tour these USDA Rural Development supported projects. The Agency is committed to assisting rural Kansas communities with their housing and community facility needs. It was important that the Administrator view the successes being accomplished across the State, yet we also discussed the challenges experienced by many rural communities located in the Central Plains,” remarked State Director Banks.
Commenting on his Kansas tour, Administrator Davis stated, "I am very impressed with Kansas . I enjoyed reviewing Kansas projects assisted by USDA Rural Development, and I am pleased with the Agency’s efforts in working aggressively with so many rural communities”
While a major focus of the tour involved challenges rural communities face when experiencing population out-migration, Administrator Davis and State Director Banks also met with Fort Riley officials to discuss issues related to the new brigade being located at the military installation. USDA Rural Development expects the new troops and added civilian personnel will create a significant demand for additional affordable housing and associated community infrastructure for a multi-county Agency eligible region adjoining Fort Riley . Kansas staff of USDA Rural Development plan to work closely with Fort Riley officials and local communities to help assist in the expected local needs related to the increase in troop numbers.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improving 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 contact the Agency at 785-271-2700 or visit the Agency’s Kansas website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks
USDA Rural Development – Committed to the Future of Rural Communities.
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