Freeborn-Mower
Cooperative Services Receives
$300,000 USDA Rural Development Grant
U.S.
Congressman Gil Gutknecht joins officials at check presentation
ALBERT LEA, Minn. Aug. 26 – U.S. Congressman Gil Gutknecht joined officials
from Rural Development in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today to
present a $300,000 check to Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services, located in
Albert Lea, Minn.
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services will use the grant to
establish a revolving loan fund with the city of Albert Lea. The city will use
the funds to finance the expansion of a sewer and water project to accommodate
industrial development.
“This
is a perfect example of how the federal government, through USDA Rural
Development, can partner with a local organization and community to make a
positive impact on that community,” Gutknecht said. “Clean water is
essential toward the development of any community. USDA Rural Development
recognizes this and works to address the water needs of
Minnesota
’s rural communities.”
The grant and subsequent loan is expected to create or save
about 10 jobs in the area. It will also allow 20 residents to hook up to the
city sewer and water system.
“President Bush maintains that you can’t have a strong
America
without a strong rural
America
,” said Steve Wenzel, State Director for USDA Rural Development in
Minnesota
. “Thanks to the President’s leadership, the leadership of Congressman
Gutknecht, and the leadership at Freeborn-Mower Cooperative, USDA Rural
Development is able to meet the needs of rural communities.”
USDA Rural Development has funding available for housing,
clean water, hospitals, high-speed Internet, economic development, job creation
and other essential infrastructure. Since 2001, the agency has invested over
$2.1 billion throughout
Minnesota
.
For
more information on USDA Rural Development, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/mn,
or call the office in
Austin
at (507) 437-8247.
Tim Thompson, executive director of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative
Services, gives a live interview on a local television station. |
U.S. Congressman Gil Gutknecht signs the check awarding
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services the $300,000 check. |
