News Release

Contact: Taylor Oldroyd, (202) 720-1019
toldroyd@rdmail.rural.usda.gov

NERUDA LAUDS 'STAND UP FOR RURAL AMERICA' CAMPAIGN DURING ADDRESS TO RURAL LISC CONFERENCE

     WASHINGTON, May 6, 2002--U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Mike Neruda highlighted today, in an address before nearly 250 representatives of grassroots community development corporations brought together by Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the importance of working together to help rural communities.

     "Rural LISC is a very important partner in rural America, we support your efforts and encourage the continuation of local efforts to help rural communities," said Neruda. "A prosperous rural America depends on many things - good paying jobs, access to community services such as healthcare, education, transportation and technology, safe communities and a sustainable natural environment."

     Neruda remarked how the Bush Administration has been working to implement new policy directions related to rural communities, highlighting the policy principles outlined by Secretary Ann Veneman last fall in a report entitled "Food and Agricultural Policy: Taking Stock for the New Century".

     Neruda spoke on the importance of the policy principles, particularly related to the need to assist communities expand their infrastructure, community facilities and technology. Neruda asked those attending the conference to assist USDA Rural Development in helping small rural communities develop and submit competitive grant applications. "Many small towns do not have the resources, or technical skills in grant writing, to develop competitive applications," said Neruda. "This is an area we need to do a better job of providing assistance and you can help us in this effort."

     USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs and administers financial and technical 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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