U S D A / Rural Development
Washington, D.C.  20250-0705

News Release

Contact: Kevin Herglotz, (202) 720-4623
kevin.herglotz@usda.gov
Tim McNeilly, (202) 690-0498
tmcneill@rdmail.rural.usda.gov

29 STATES TO RECEIVE $9 MILLION IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

     WASHINGTON, August 28, 2001--Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced 29 states will receive more than $9 million in loan and grant funds, designed to assist in the fostering of economic development in rural areas.

     "Strengthening business and community development in rural areas is vital for sustaining the overall economy of rural America," said Veneman. "The proposals selected today offer rural residents a greater diversity in building a stronger economic foundation."

     Veneman noted that over 400 businesses will benefit from the loan and grant funds, along with the expectation that approximately 2,300 jobs will be created or saved. Loans and grants for the 77 proposals will be provided through three USDA Rural Development programs; the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program, the Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) program and the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.

Alabama - $440,000Alaska - $193,011Arizona - $209,950
Colorado - $20,800Hawaii - $23,000Illinois - $393,500
Kentucky - $645,725Louisiana - $975,000Maine - $149,200
Minnesota - $832,627Missouri - $355,000Montana - $90,090
Nebraska - $284,000Nevada - $50,000New Jersey - $107,300
New Mexico - $190,000New York - $248,900N. Carolina - $50,000
N. Dakota - $350,400Oklahoma - $913,000Pennsylvania - $113,822
S. Carolina - $163,200Tennessee - $200,000Utah - $54,000
Vermont - $35,000Virginia - $773,850W. Virginia - $267,000
Wisconsin - $1,093,100Wyoming - $155,600 

     A complete list of the individual loan and grant recipients can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/newsroom/2001/busrecips.html.

     USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs, and administers program assistance through three agencies: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service. Further information on USDA Rural Development can be obtained by contacting any USDA Service Center or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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