Susan McAvoy (202) 720-4623
susan.mcavoy@usda.gov
Jim Brownlee (202) 720-2091
jim.brownlee@usda.gov

USDA EXPANDS EFFORTS TO ASSIST SOUTHWEST BORDER COMMUNITIES

WASHINGTON, September 20, 2000--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today unveiled a new USDA initiative to assist economically distressed communities in the Southwest Border region.

Esperanza y Poder, or Hope and Empowerment, establishes a consortium of representatives from all USDA agencies which will find new ways to more effectively deliver services and assistance to the Southwest Border region. USDA's commitment includes the development of internet infrastructure and training people to use the internet. Communities targeted for assistance include Imperial County, Calif.; Nogales, Az.; Deming, N.M., and a six-county area in southwest Texas.

"This is another step forward in our efforts to focus attention and resources on the needs of the Southwest border area," Glickman said, addressing a conference on this topic.

Glickman also announced more than $2.7 million in grants to 12 Hispanic-Serving Education Institutions in Texas, New Mexico, California and Puerto Rico. The goal is to promote and strengthen their ability to attract and educate outstanding students who will enter the workforce and enhance food and agricultural business sectors.

Glickman noted that more than $2 billion in investments have been generated in depressed rural areas under the Rural Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community initiative since its inception in 1995. The areas include, but are not limited to the Southwest Border region, Appalachia, the South, and on Indian reservations.

More information on the Southwest Border Initiative is available on the web at www.ustreas.gov/sw_border. A list of Hispanic-Serving Education Institutions receiving grants can be found at www.reeusda.gov/serd/hep/.

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