CONTACT: Jim Waters at (302) 697-4324

Camden, February 25, 2002 – USDA Rural Development State Director Marlene Elliott today announced $2,100,000 in grants available through the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service to help with business development and economic development planning.

"This is part of the Bush Administration’s effort to help strengthen the rural economy," said Elliott. "This funding will give eligible small towns the boost that they need to enhance their economic potential."

Under the Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) program, USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service helps public entities, nonprofit corporations and cooperatives, and federally recognized Indian tribal groups finance business development and economic development planning. The Opportunity Grant is eligible to towns with a population of 10,000 or less.

To ensure that a broad range of communities have the opportunity to benefit from the available funds, no grant will exceed $50,000, unless it is a multi-state project where funds may not exceed $150,000. The funds are available on a competitive basis. Any applications received will be considered for funding after June 30, 2002.

For further information, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov. Entities wishing to apply for assistance should contact the Rural Development State Office serving Delaware and Maryland at (302) 697-4324.

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