NEWS RELEASE USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT PUERTO RICO

Media Contact: Miguel Ramírez
Phone: 787-859-2880 ext. 118
E-Mail: miguel.ramirez@pr.usda.gov

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT HELPS PEOPLE WITH HANDICAPPED CONDITIONS OBTAIN JOBS

     San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 12, 2005--José A. Otero-García, State Director of Puerto Rico USDA Rural Development, visited CATPI's facilities in the municipality of Maunabo.

     CATPI is a non profit organization that teaches skills to people with special needs to gain self sufficiency and provides them with the basis to initiate their own business or obtain a job in a private garden/nursery or related business.

     Otero-García indicated that CATPI has been a recipient of two RBEGS (Rural Business Enterprise Grants) totaling $360,800 and one CF (Community Facility) Grant for $27,100 for total assistance of $387,100.00.

     The first RBEG consisted of the start up funds for a green house/nursery and garden. The participants of this project learned how to grow plants, care for them and prepare them for sale at local farmer markets.

     The second RBEG helped fund the development of a plantain packaging facility and processing plant to train and provide "on the job" experience. CATPI locates places in which they are employed in part time or full time jobs. Funds were used to provide training equipment, a delivery vehicle, training materials and working capital.

     The CF Grant was used to purchase essential equipment to assist in the facility operation. CATPI has 67 employees and has helped employ 31 people in the private sector.

     This project shows President Bush's Administration's commitment to the future of our rural communities. These funds will play an important role in improving the quality of life and enhancing economic opportunities in rural America.

     Additional information on USDA Rural Development Programs can be obtained by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov or by calling Miguel A. Ramírez at (787) 859-3104 ext. 118. USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities.

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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

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