Contact:Tim McNeilly, (202) 690-0498
tmcneill@rdmail.rural.usda.gov

USDA APPOINTS STEVE PELHAM TO HEAD RURAL DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN ALABAMA

     WASHINGTON, June 1, 2001--The U.S. Department of Agriculture today appointed Steve Pelham as the Alabama State Director for USDA Rural Development.

     Pelham, from Montgomery Alabama, has served as the State Director for U.S. Representative Terry Everett since 1993. In that capacity, Pelham was responsible for the overall operation of three district offices where he worked closely on rural and agribusiness issues important to Alabama 2nd Congressional District. Pelham has been active in building partnerships between the USDA Rural Development and rural communities to provide funding for housing, community facilities, utilities, and other services to rural areas. Prior to his joining Congressman Everett's staff, Pelham served as an Area Organization Director for the Alabama Farmers Federation.

     Pelham is active in his local community and is involved with the Alabama League of Municipalities, the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, and the Alabama Association of Regional Councils. He is a member of the Alabama Council of Association Executives and the Alabama Commission on Aerospace Science and Industry. Since 1994 he has served as a member of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee. Pelham is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science.

     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 programs can be obtained by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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