NEWS RELEASE

Phone: (315) 477-6409 • Fax: (315) 477-6438 • TDD: (315) 477-6447 • Web: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny

USDA ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO SPUR RURAL NEW YORK ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2004—Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced today that the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, Inc. will receive an $80,000 grant to assist six rural New York communities with economic and community development efforts. The Catskill Center will provide technical support to the Towns of Lexington and Prattsville (Greene County); the Villages of Deposit and Stamford (Delaware County); and the Villages of Cobleskill and Middleburgh (Schoharie County).

“The Bush Administration is committed to the strengthening of rural communities,” said Veneman. “These grant funds support rural community programs to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for their local residents.”

The grant is one of 27 awarded nationally and totaling over $6.8 million that, when coupled with required matching funds, will double the impact of projects in the areas of housing, community facilities, and community and economic development in rural areas.

"The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development is uniquely qualified to help the region's communities enhance their quality of life," said U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey (NY-22). "This grant will be a big help to the Center as it continues its excellent work with rural communities."

“I commend President Bush for committing these resources to rural development initiatives that create economic opportunity and improve the lives of rural New Yorkers,” said Patrick H. Brennan, State Director for USDA Rural Development, which will administer the funds. “The Catskill Center has a proven record of technical ability and dedication to Catskill area residents, and I thank Executive Director Tom Alworth and Assistant Director Helen Budrock for their energy and advocacy.”

"We are delighted to have been awarded this grant, which will help increase the capacity of several communities in the Catskills to undertake successful revitalization efforts," said Helen Budrock, Assistant Director and project manager for The Catskill Center. "Building successful, viable communities is challenging but important work, and something which The Catskill Center is committed to as part of our mission."

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov. USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.

Committed to the future of rural communities.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

To file a complaint of discrimination write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, DC 20250-9410

or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD).