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NEWS RELEASE 1303
SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 19, 2004
Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701
USDA
Rural Development Presents
Funding To Chase County
Cottonwood Falls, KS – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks yesterday presented a ceremonial check totaling $2.6 million in funding to Chase County. The funds were awarded to Chase County to assist in the financing of the County’s new detention center and improvements to the Courthouse under the Agency’s Community Facility Program. Ed Griffin, Chase County Commission Chairman, accepted the check from USDA Rural Development.
“USDA Rural Development is pleased to support programming which supports important infrastructure in our rural communities. These types of programs assist in improving economic development opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for rural Kansas. We compliment Chase County for utilizing this important Agency program,” remarked State Director Banks at the presentation.
USDA Rural Development’s presentation to Chase County was made during a state-wide tour recognizing the Agency’s record level of Fiscal Year 2004 funding in Kansas, totaling nearly $152 million. The tour is honoring a number of businesses that partner with the Agency to promote rural community and economic development, along with meeting with several applicants who were recently awarded Agency funding.
State Director Banks, while discussing the Agency’s record FY2004 funding, added, “USDA Rural Development is proud to deliver this level of programming to Kansas, a 28% increase over last year. Agency programs support creating more affordable housing, assist in the financing needed rural health care facilities, and help promote the development of important local businesses across Kansas. With the participation of many partners, and the support of our Kansas Congressional delegation, these programs and technical assistance from our staff helps improve local economic development and the quality of life for Kansans. The Agency wishes to thank those partners for their valued support and their continued participation in these programs.”
In congratulating Kansas for its record level of Agency funding, Agriculture Acting Under Secretary Gilbert Gonzalez commented, "These investments by the Bush Administration are critical to Kansas' rural families and communities. Our team of rural development professionals are committed to the future of rural communities in Kansas." Gonzalez added that USDA Rural Development in Kansas has completed another stellar year of investments that will help increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural Kansas.
During the state-wide tour, the Agency made sixteen community stops across the State, recognizing businesses for their support of various Agency programs, touring projects currently under construction and delivering ceremonial funding checks for several recently approved business proposals. State Director Banks and Agency staff also met with local community leaders to discuss both community needs and economic challenges facing those areas of rural Kansas.
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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