For Immediate Release - August 15, 2002 Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2702

Senator Roberts Praises USDA Rural Development Programs

August 15, 2002 - Lyons, KS. -- U.S. Senator Pat Roberts addressed a gathering of around 150 agricultural producers and rural business leaders at Lyons, Kansas today during an informational meeting organized to discuss both Congressional issues and rural economic development opportunities. USDA Rural Development, the economic development agency for USDA, participated in the Lyons town hall meeting.

"I am very supportive of Kansas Rural Development and the rural development provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill. The Value-Added Agricultural Grant and the Business & Industry Loan programs offer our Kansas farm producers and our rural communities the opportunity to enhance their economic development", Senator Roberts said.

Chuck Banks, State Director for USDA Rural Development commented, "The 2002 Farm Bill contains excellent economic development provisions for rural Kansas. Agriculture is one of the most technically-advanced industries in America, and both USDA Rural Development's grant and loan programs will now promote more innovation and economic opportunities in our State. Creating commerce and jobs in our rural communities is key to the prosperity of the entire State".

Senator Roberts and USDA Rural Development have conducted a series of joint informational meetings this week, as a part of Senator Roberts' August tour across Kansas. Rural Development will continue its "2002 Success Tour" next week with 2^nd District Congressman Jim Ryun in several northeast Kansas counties.

For additional economic development information, you may log onto the Kansas Rural Development website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks or e-mail the Agency at 2002farmbillRD@ks.usda.gov