News Release

Contact: Dave Hill, (202) 690-0513
david.hill@rdmail.rural.usda.gov

USDA APPOINTS JOHN ALLEN TO HEAD RURAL DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN ARKANSAS

     WASHINGTON, June 29, 2001-- The U.S. Department of Agriculture today appointed John M. Allen as the Arkansas State Director for USDA Rural Development.

     Allen, from Walnut Ridge, Ark., was appointed by Governor Mike Huckabee in 1977 as the director of the Arkansas Assessment Coordination Department. In that capacity he was a member of the Governor's cabinet with oversight responsibility of local property tax laws. He directed a staff of 30 and had a $16.5 million budget. He is the past Chairman of the Arkansas Transportation Commission and served as president of the local AM radio station and newspaper in Marked Tree, Ark. Allen brings to USDA professional experience in the real estate industry and community development. Allen is the former owner and manager of The Capitol Restaurant in Walnut Ridge.

     Allen is a member of the Walnut Ridge Chamber of Commerce and the Chairman of the Lawrence County March of Dimes Finance Drive. He is also the Assistant Scout Master for the Hoxie, Ark. Scout Troop. Allen has served as the President of the Walnut Ridge Jaycees and as Chairman of the Lawrence County Development Council.

     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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