News Release

Contact: Taylor Oldroyd, (202) 720-1019

USDA ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO NATIONAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

     WASHINGTON, November 19, 2002--Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr today announced funding for the eight National Centers of Excellence that help promote economic development in under-served rural communities and further President Bush's economic agenda.

     "The Centers of Excellence selected have a strong track record of working in partnership with USDA Rural Development and will utilize new educational and technological tools needed to strengthen the Bush Administration's efforts to assist local communities and businesses in expanding their economic and employment opportunities," said Dorr.

     The National Centers of Excellence selected include: University of Texas-Pan American, Texas; Somerset Community College, Kentucky; Heritage College, Washington; Cankdeska Cikana Community College, North Dakota; Crownpoint Institute of Technology, New Mexico; Fort Peck Community College, Montana; San Diego State University-Imperial Valley, California; and California State University-Fresno, California. USDA provided the eight centers with funding in 2001 and has extended partnership funding in 2002 due to the long-term commitment established by the centers to assist rural Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities and Champion Communities.

     Dorr cited several examples of how the funding and partnership agreements will benefit rural areas, including in Kentucky where Somerset Community College will use the funding to provide on the job-training opportunities to new and existing business and industry within the Empowerment Zone, Enterprise Community, and other communities located in the district. At University of Texas-Pan American, focus will be on improving training and educational opportunities through the use of telecommunication and information technologies. "It is crucial that we develop programs and resources which enhance the opportunity for rural residents to receive 21st Century workforce skills. The National Centers of Excellence selected have shown their commitment to this idea," said Dorr.

     The National Center of Excellence (NCE) program consists of one-year partnership agreements between eight rural institutions of higher education and USDA. The NCE program focuses on economic opportunity, sustainable community development, community-based partnerships, and a strategic vision for change. The agreements support strong information sharing and technical assistance links between Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Communities, state USDA Rural Development field staff, colleges/universities, civic organizations and other rural communities.

     Each NCE will receive $20,000 from the Department of Agriculture to help rural communities achieve sustainable community development. Funds will be administered through USDA Rural Development's Office of Community Development, which is responsible for Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities, Champion Communities and rural community development technical assistance.

     USDA Rural Development is the lead federal entity for rural economic and community development needs. It administers financial and technical assistance through a network of state Rural Development offices, various non-profit and educational institutional partners, and its national office. Rural Development provides access to a range of financial and intellectual tools (including technical and educational assistance, loans, loan guarantees, and grants) through the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service and the Office of Community Development. Further information on USDA Rural Development can be obtained by contacting your local USDA Service Center or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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