WASHINGTON, D.C.
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| NEWS RELEASE WASHINGTON, D.C. |
Contact: Darin Leach (202) 690-0498
WASHINGTON, May 17, 2006--Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr today announced the launch of a new website designed to better serve American Indian and Alaska Native customers. The website can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/aian/ and provides information about Rural Development programs available to assist American Indians and Alaska Natives in one convenient location.
"This website is designed to provide tribal members, tribal communities and tribal organizations access to helpful information in a user-friendly way," said Dorr. "It should be a one-stop-shop to find the information and resources tribal members need to participate fully in, and have a positive experience with, our programs."
The website has information about grants and loans that are intended to assist federally recognized Indian tribes buy a home, grow a business, build essential community facilities and further develop community infrastructure. There is also contact information for Rural Development's nationwide network of Native America Program Coordinators. The site also has success stories of how Rural Development has assisted tribes and individuals in the past and links to publications, guides, reports and other helpful materials.
Rural Development is committed to meeting the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Since the beginning of the Bush Administration in 2001, Rural Development has invested more than $1 billion in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested more than $63 billion since the beginning of the Bush Administration to provide equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. As a result, more than 1.1 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
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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
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