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NEWS RELEASE 1303
SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 22, 2004
Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701
USDA Rural Development Presents Energy Program Funding To Summerfield Business
Summerfield, KS – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks today presented a ceremonial check totaling $6,935.00 in funding to the Community General Store of Summerfield. The grant funds, available under the Agency’s Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Program, were awarded to the Community General Store for energy efficiency improvements planned for the store. Cherie Frazee accepted the check from USDA Rural Development.
“USDA Rural Development is pleased to support programming which assists small businesses and agricultural producers which wish of undertake energy efficiency or renewable energy projects. The Bush Administration is committed to improving our Nation’s energy independence. We compliment the Community General Store for utilizing this important Agency program,” remarked State Director Banks at the presentation.
“We appreciate working with USDA Rural Development. The Agency’s Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Program is a great program, more businesses should participate in it,” commented Ms. Frazee.
USDA Rural Development’s presentation to the Community General Store 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 FY2003. 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 critical support of our Kansas Congressional delegation, these programs improve the economic development and quality of life for Kansans. The Agency wishes to thank those partners for their valued support and their continued participation in these programs.”
"These investments by the Bush Administration are critical to Kansas' rural families and communities," said Agriculture Acting UnderSecretary Gilbert Gonzalez. "Our team of rural development professionals is 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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