For: Immediate Release
PRESS RELEASE
Contact
: Kent ColwellWESTERN COOPERATIVE ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC. RECEIVES $160,000 USDA GRANT
Topeka, Kansas, March 15, 2002 – Western Cooperative Electric Association, Inc. in WaKeeney, Kansas, has received a $160,000 USDA Rural Economic Development Grant 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 Utility Service’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.
"Western Cooperative Electric Association, Inc. will utilize the grant funds to establish a revolving loan fund to make loans to eligible entities. The Ellis County Rural Fire Department will use the funds for the purchase of a new pumper truck. The new truck will have a pumping capacity of 1,000 gallons per minute; an increase of 750 more gallons per minute than the truck it replaces. Ellis County RFD is contributing $40,000 toward the purchase. Approximately 26,338 rural residents are served by the fire district," informed 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 the benefits of the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program to the rural areas of Kansas," State Director Banks related.
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/ks/