NEWS RELEASE WASHINGTON, D.C.

Contact: Adam Czech (651) 602-7799

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER SECRETARY CELEBRATES NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH IN BAXTER, MINNESOTA

     ST. PAUL, Minn., June 9, 2006--Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas Dorr will visit Baxter, Minn., on Friday, June 16, for a June Homeownership Month celebration.

     Under Secretary Dorr will recognize Keith Sunderland, a Baxter resident who has battled Cerebral Palsy and other physical handicaps en route to achieving the American dream of homeownership. The 27-year-old Sunderland has endured over 40 surgeries to correct various ailments. He recently earned his degree from Central Lakes College.

     "It will be a privilege to meet this young man," said Dorr. "During National Homeownership Month I meet some of the thousands of families and individuals from across the nation who have benefited from Rural Development's housing programs. Mr. Sunderland's story is an inspiring one, and I look forward to hearing it firsthand."

      "We are greatly honored that the United States Department of Agriculture selected the state of Minnesota and a home in Baxter to recognize the national importance of homeownership," said Steve Wenzel, State Director of Rural Development in Minnesota. "This will be a time to showcase the work USDA Rural Development does in improving the quality of life in rural areas through home ownership."

     President Bush has issued a proclamation designating June as National Homeownership Month-a time to reflect on the important role homeownership plays in American society. USDA Rural Development offers direct and guaranteed loans to qualified residents in rural areas for homeownership. Funds are also available for home repairs. To learn more about the programs, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/ or call the local office in Baxter at (218) 829-5965. Since the beginning of the Bush Administration, USDA Rural Development has invested about $21.4 billion to help nearly 250,000 rural families become homeowners. Over $1 billion has been invested for homeownership in rural Minnesota during this time.

     USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural communities. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested over $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. Over 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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