News Release

Contact: Taylor Oldroyd, (202) 720-1019

RURAL DEVELOPMENT RECEIVES MARK TRAIL AWARD

     WASHINGTON, April 17, 2002--During a ceremony today at the Cannon House Office Building, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Mike Neruda accepted on behalf of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) the National Weather Service's Mark Trail Award. The presentation of the award marks the first time a Federal agency has ever received this distinguished award.

     "Americans live in one of the most severe weather-prone countries on Earth with 10,000 thunderstorms, 2,500 floods, 1,200 tornadoes, several hurricanes occurring annually," said Neruda. "Preparing Americans for such perils will save lives and bring our rural residents a greater peace of mind."

     The National Weather Service created the award to honor people and organizations that have saved lives or protected property by using, promoting, or enhancing NOAA Weather Radio (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). NOAA Administrator Conrad C. Lautenbarcher, Jr. presented the award to Neruda.

     USDA Rural Development's RUS received the award for it's support for rural extension of NOAA Weather Radio, including the administration of the Weather Radio Rural Expansion Grant Program. This program, initiated in fiscal year 2001, has already funded 30 new rural transmitter grants and has received applications for 101 rural communities not covered by NOAA Weather Radio transmissions.

     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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