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NEWS RELEASE 1303
SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 27, 2005
Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701
Ft. Riley and USDA Rural Development
Sign Memorandum Of Agreement
Ft. Riley , KS . – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today joined USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Gilbert Gonzalez and State Director Chuck Banks in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to support the troop and civilian personnel expansion at Ft. Riley . The agreement, signed at Ft. Riley by both Ft. Riley and USDA officials, pledges both federal agencies to cooperate in assisting the over 7,500 individuals and family members who will be relocating to the region during Fiscal Year 2006.
“USDA Rural Development is excited to participate in this partnership associated with the expansion at Ft. Riley . USDA Rural Development stands ready to assist in helping provide affordable homeownership opportunities to those relocating to this region of Kansas , and to the communities where they chose to live,” remarked Under Secretary Gonzalez.
In early 2005, the Department of Defense announced that Ft. Riley would gain approximately 3,400 troops and 1,200 civilian personnel during Fiscal Year 2006. Since then, additional proposed troop and civilian personnel gains have been announced. As a result of discussions with Ft. Riley officials, USDA Rural Development has determined there will be a significant increase in demand for the Agency’s housing and community infrastructure programs associated with the expansion. Today’s signing of the Memorandum will help facilitate USDA Rural Development’s technical and financial assistance for the community and economic development needs expected in the Ft. Riley region.
“Many portions of Kansas have long suffered from population loss, resulting in a continued decline of business opportunities and community assets. The previously announced expansion for Ft. Riley offers a rare opportunity to reverse this disturbing trend for so many rural communities of northeast and north-central Kansas . USDA Rural Development is committed to provide assistance to help improve affordable housing opportunities and support community infrastructure projects for rural Kansas ,” commented State Director Banks.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs that support increasing economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for rural Americans. During Fiscal Year 2004, USDA Rural Development in Kansas administered an all-time record $152 million in financial assistance, including over $80 million to support affordable housing needs. USDA Rural Development programs cover a wide scope of funding and technical assistance for business and homeownership loans, community infrastructure projects, health care facilities, and rural water service.
For additional information regarding USDA Rural Development programs, individuals may call the State Headquarters at 785-271-2700 or log onto the Agency’s website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks
USDA Rural Development – Committed to the future of rural communities.
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