For: Immediate Release

Contact: Kent Colwell
Rural Development Specialist
(785) 628-3081

NEMAHA-MASHALL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
ASSOCIATION, INC.
RECEIVES $331,000 USDA LOAN

Topeka, Kansas, March 19, 2002 – Nemaha-Marshall Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. in Axtell, Kansas, has received a $331,000 USDA Rural Economic Development Loan according to Chuck Banks, State Director for USDA Rural Development in Kansas. USDA Rural Development is the agency responsible for the development of rural communities through the administration of a number of programs designed to strengthen the economy and infrastructure of rural areas.

"Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants are made to Rural Development’s electric and telecommunications borrowers, who in turn lend the funds for projects that create new job opportunities and ensure the safety and security of rural citizens. Fastline, Ltd., a custom build trailer manufacturing business, will use Rural Development funds for the relocation and expansion of their business in Marysville, Kansas. Two buildings will be constructed, a 20 foot by 30 foot office building and a 100 foot by 200 foot manufacturing building. Construction will also include an exterior concrete work area and a rock parking lot for trailer displays. Fastline is contributing $83,000 to the project. Four positions will be saved through the project and four new full-time jobs and one new part-time job will be created when the project is complete," related Kent Colwell, Rural Development Specialist in the Hays office.

"Rural Economic Development loans and grants help rural communities retain jobs, create new jobs and ensure the safety and security of their citizens. USDA Rural Development is pleased to be able to provide cities and towns in Kansas with the benefits Rural Economic Development loans and grants provide," State Director Banks said.

For more information on the USDA Rural Development Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program, or any other programs, contact your nearest USDA Rural Development office or visit our website at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov