NEWS RELEASE

United States Department of Agriculture • Rural Development

1221 College Park Drive, Suite 200, Dover, DE  19904

Phone: (302) 857-3580 • Fax: (302) 857-3640 • TDD: (302) 857-3585 • Web: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

USDA Provides Over $3 Million to Dorchester County

Cambridge, MD October 2, 2006 –Congressman Wayne Gilchrest and USDA Rural Development State Director Marlene Elliott announced more than $3 million dollars returned to Dorchester County, since the beginning of the federal fiscal year that started on October 1, 2005, to support public safety, the creation and retention of jobs, tourism, home ownership, home repair, and the environment.

"It's an honor to be here today to show how these federal dollars come back to support this community," said U.S. Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-Maryland-1^st).  "I am proud of Dorchester County and USDA Rural Development for working together to ensure the safety of the residents, the environment, and to improve the quality of life for all who call Dorchester County home."

The federal assistance represents more than $190,000 in grant funds largely supporting projects that support the local economy and improved community services. $2.7 million was in the form of loans to help 17 families become home owners and to help 3 home owners make repairs to their homes.

The funding helped the following:

$42,350 grant to the Commissioners of Cambridge to help purchase 2 police cars and 1 EMS vehicle.

$47,800 grant to the Commissioners of Cambridge to support the City’s Main Street Program which will provide assistance to 30-50 small businesses.

$37,200 grant to the Dorchester County Council that will help promote tourism around the City of Cambridge and Dorchester County.

$9,000 grant to the Dorchester County Sanitary District to help them with an environmental report for the expansion of central sewer into the Woolford/Madison area of Dorchester County.

$84,880 in loans and grants to help 10 lower income homeowners make repairs to their homes to remove health and safety hazards.

$2,785,962 in loans to help 17 individuals or families purchase a home.

TOTAL - $3,007,192

"This is a return of the people’s money that we can all be proud of," said Elliott. "The Bush Administration is committed to ensuring that our rural residents and communities have the necessary resources available to them to provide the basic services that impact our daily lives."

USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities. Last year, the agency returned over $100 million to rural Maryland. They have over 40 programs that support agriculture, business opportunities, home ownership, home repair, rental housing, broadband technology, public safety, health care, education, social and cultural needs and energy related projects. Additional information on rural programs is available by calling their State Office at (302) 857-3580 or by visiting their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

###

 

Committed to the future of rural communities.