News Release

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

USDA ANNOUNCES RURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS FOR WESTERN STATES

23 proposals selected to receive $3.8 million in grants for business, education, and community development efforts in Oregon, California, and Washington

     WASHINGTON, August 28, 2001--The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the selection of 23 rural business, education, and community development proposals to receive a total of $3.8 million in USDA Rural Development grant assistance. The California, Oregon, and Washington applicants expect to assist 858 businesses, and create or save nearly 18,000 jobs.

     "The grant proposals selected will help rural residents of California, Oregon and Washington obtain greater access to newer educational resources, increase the opportunity for business development, and promote the growth of value-added agricultural," said Agriculture Deputy Secretary James Moseley during a visit to California.

     In announcing the grant funds, Moseley cited, as an example of how USDA funds will help to bring new resources and assistance to California's agri-business industry, the selection of a $1million grant proposal from the University of California - California Dairy Tech Center. The Tech Center will utilize the funds to provide technical assistance to dairies and businesses related to the dairy industry.

     In all, 14 grant proposals totaling $1,874,189 were selected from California, followed by eight proposals from Washington totaling $1,465,222, and a $500,000 proposal in Oregon. A complete list of the selected grant recipients can be found by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/newsroom/2001/ca_busrecips.html.

     USDA funds will be provided through several USDA Rural Development programs; the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program, the Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) program, the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program, the Community Facilities Grant program, and the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program.

     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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