Release No. 0075.05 Ed Loyd (202) 720-4623 Tim McNeilly (202) 690-0498 USDA ANNOUNCES NEW EFFORT TO SUPPORT PRESERVE AMERICA INITIATIVE WASHINGTON, March 3, 2005-Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today marked the second anniversary of the Preserve America initiative by announcing that Preserve America communities will be given priority consideration for community facility funding projects that support efforts to preserve and enjoy America's priceless culture and natural heritage. "There are significant economic, educational and cultural benefits that historic preservation provides, especially to rural communities," said Johanns. "Sustainable preservation is not a cost for maintaining the past, it is an investment in the future. Rural communities that are dedicated to historic preservation will be rewarded for their vision for the future, as their efforts help revitalize their local economy and sense of community pride." The Preserve America initiative, announced by Mrs. Laura Bush on March 3, 2003, is a White House effort to encourage and support community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of America's priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the initiative include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past; strengthened regional identities and local pride; increased local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets; and support for the economic vitality of communities. To date, more than 220 communities in 37 states have received the designation as Preserve America communities and will be considered for priority funding under the Rural Development Community Facilities program. "We want to provide incentives to communities to look for projects that will help rejuvenate their local economies, as well as preserve and promote our national heritage," said Gil Gonzalez, USDA Acting Under Secretary for Rural Development. The Community Facilities Loan and Grant program provides communities with financial tools and facilitates essential community facilities such as health care clinics, police and fire stations, schools and child care centers. The program's flexibility also allows funding for projects that revitalize rural economies, such interpretative centers, museums or restored historical buildings. Further information on eligibility for priority funding through the Community Facilities Loan and Grant program can be obtained by contacting any local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting www.rurdev.usda.gov. Communities designated through Preserve America receive national recognition for their efforts. Benefits include use of the Preserve America logo, listing in a government Web-based directory to showcase preservation and heritage tourism efforts, and eligibility for special existing and proposed Preserve America grants and funding through various government agencies. The next quarterly deadline for Preserve America Community applications is June 1, 2005. For more information, application forms, and procedures, visit www.PreserveAmerica.gov. The Bush Administration's fiscal year 2006 budget contains a request for $12.5 million in grant funds for which communities meeting the Preserve America criteria will be eligible to apply. These matching fund grants of $50,000 to $250,000 would be distributed on a competitive basis to projects that preserve and use important historic resources for promotion of heritage tourism and other economic revitalization projects. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, and the Interior partner to administer the Preserve America initiative on behalf of the Office of the First Lady. 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 provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. 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. # USDA News oc.news@xxxxxxxx 202 720-4623 ---------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send email to oc.news@xxxxxxxx and reference your email address.
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