News Release

Taylor Oldroyd, (202) 720-1019

USDA ANNOUNCES OVER $1.5 MILLION FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN IDAHO
Dorr Highlights Economic Opportunities And Improved Quality Of Life As Focus Of Rural Development

     BOISE, Idaho, February 10, 2003--Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr today announced the approval of over $1.5 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funds to assist with local community water infrastructure development in two rural communities of Idaho.

     "These funds will help ensure that residents in the communities of Cottonwood and Arimo have access to a safe and reliable drinking water supply," said Dorr. "By investing in community infrastructure, these communities are building equity in their economic future and an improved quality of life for area residents."

     Dorr was in Boise to address the 3rd Harvesting Clean Energy Conference where he highlighted efforts by the Bush Administration to provide businesses, farmers and ranchers with a multitude of financial and technical support for exploration and development of renewable energy sources. (Mr. Dorr's Full Remarks.)

     Dorr later joined Mike Field, Rural Development State Director in Idaho, for a $50,000 check presentation to Governor Dick Kempthorne. The funds will be combined with state and private funds to assist the Idaho Rural Partnership develop efficient and effective programs to serve rural Idaho.

     During Dorr's visit he announced the following USDA Rural Development funding:

City of Cottonwood - $565,000 water loan and grant package ($415,000 loan/$150,000 grant). Funds will be used to drill and develop a new well and water main to connect to the city's existing water system. The improved production capacity will benefit the 944 residents of Cottonwood.

City of Arimo, Idaho - $967,000 water loan and grant package ($507,000 loan/$460,000 grant). Funds will be used to drill a new well, replace old distribution lines and install water meters. The improvements are expected to benefit 348 residents of Arimo.

     In addition to today's announcement, Dorr said that USDA Rural Development has been working on many fronts to provide residents and communities with financing for a variety of needs, including over $4.5 million in rural guaranteed business loans announced in late January to assist a local Bonner County business expand operations and add 62 additional jobs to a current workforce of 58 employees. In the last two years, USDA Rural Development has provided over $241 million to assist Idaho residents with local economic and community development efforts.

     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. Further information on these and other rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

#

USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer. Complaints of
discrimination should be sent to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

Return to Rural Development News and Information Room.