USDA Release No. 0219.98
RUS LAUNCHES KIDS WEBSITE IN CELEBRATION OF 62ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE RURAL ELECTRIFICATION ACT
WASHINGTON, May 21, 1998--Tying together the past and future, USDA will mark the 62nd anniversary of the Rural Electrification Act by launching a website specifically designed for children. The site introduces children of all ages to the history, functions and importance of electrical power, telecommunications, and clean water.
Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman stated, "By using today's technology, USDA will help young people better understand the compelling history of rural electrification, the exciting future of telecommunications, and the great need for clean, safe running water and its impact on their daily lives."
Since 1936, USDA, through the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has been instrumental in providing rural America with the tools neccessary for economic development, building approximately 50% of the nation's power lines. In 1956 only 783,000 rural Americans had telephone service. Today, over 5 million rural Americans have telecommunications service due in part to the ongoing efforts of RUS. Over 20,000 rural communities have established water systems all across rural America with help from USDA.
"If we are to plan where we are going as a Nation, it is vital that all of us, including our children, know where we have been," explained Under Secretary of Agriculture Jill Long Thompson. "The kids' website bridges the gap between where we started, where we are today, and where we are headed tomorrow."
Parents and teachers will find the site helpful in teaching children safety tips for using electricity, the telephone and the Internet. Children and adults can learn how the Rural Electrification Administration helped strengthen rural America throughout the past 62 years. The educational aspect of how electricity, telecommunications and safe, clean drinking water are distributed helps provide all viewers with a better understanding of how these services are delivered.
RUS administers the Rural Electrification Act which authorized the creation of the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) and helped bring modern and safe electric power and telecommunications services to rural communities. With the reorganization of USDA, REA became RUS and the Water and Waste Disposal program, which started in 1940, was made a part of RUS. All three of these programs provide critical infrastructure for rural communities to grow and be economially viable.
The website address is www.usda.gov/rus/educate/ruskids.htm.
Media Contact: Roger Salazar, (202) 720-4623
roger.salazar@usda.gov
Claiborne Crain, (202) 720-1255
Return to Rural Development News and Information Room