Release No. 0457.09
Contact:
Jay Fletcher (202) 690-0498
AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK AWARDS $2.2 MILLION IN RURAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY GRANTS
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2009 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA Rural Development is awarding $2.2 million in grants to help 35 rural businesses, Native American tribes and economic development groups create and retain jobs. Grants are being provided to residents and businesses in 20 states, Puerto Rico and the Western Pacific.
"The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in rural America, and these grants will help new and existing businesses, create jobs, increase economic self-sufficiency and strengthen local economies," said Vilsack. "The Obama Administration is committed to strengthening rural communities and creating jobs throughout the country, and these grants will help accomplish this goal."
In Monticello, N.Y., USDA is awarding a $50,000 grant to help the Sullivan County Agricultural Local Development Corporation provide technical assistance to a local red meat processing facility. This project will create and save four jobs.
The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Economic Development Company, LLC, in Littleton, Maine, has been selected to receive a $50,000 feasibility study grant for the development of ready-to-eat meals and farm-raised foods such as green sea urchins, halibut and other species. This project will create 15 jobs at five businesses.
These grants are being provided under USDA Rural Development's Rural Business Opportunity Grant program. Funds are used to promote sustainable economic development through training and technical assistance for business and economic development planning.
Below is a complete list of the grant recipients. Funding of each recipient is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant agreement.
Arizona:
Shonto Community Development Corp. Inc. - $50,000 grant
The Moenkopi Developers Corporation Inc. - $49,750 grant
Arkansas:
Arkansas Economic Acceleration Foundation - $50,000 grant
California:
City of Firebaugh - $38,563 grant
Colorado:
First Nations Development Institute - $150,000 grant
Connecticut:
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation - $150,000 grant
Town of Preston - $50,000 grant
Illinois:
City of Freeport - $50,000 grant
Lincoln & Logan Development Partnership - $50,000 grant
Indiana:
Fulton Economic Development Corporation - $50,000 grant
Iowa:
Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa - $49,999 grant
Maine:
Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Economic Development Company, LLC - $50,000 grant
Penobscot Indian Nation Enterprises - $49,987 grant
Four Directions Development Corporation - $49,975 grant
MaineStream Finance Inc. - $11,460 grant
Northern Maine Development Commission - $115,000 grant
Montana:
Northern Cheyenne Tribe - $49,916 grant
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority - $25,600 grant
New Mexico:
Regional Development Corporation - $50,000 grant
New York:
Sullivan County Agricultural Local Development Corporation - $50,000 grant
North Dakota:
Marketplace of Ideas/Marketplace for Kids, Inc. - $31,500 grant
Oklahoma:
Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma - $50,000 grant
Oregon:
Rural Development Initiatives Inc. - $60,000 grant
Northwest Food Processors Association - $150,000 grant
Puerto Rico:
University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez - $50,000 grant
South Dakota:
Cheyenne River Chamber of Commerce - $37,000 grant
Four Bands Community Fund Inc. - $50,000 grant
Tennessee:
Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation and Development Council - $50,000 grant
Utah:
Paiute Indian Tribe - $50,000 grant
Vermont:
Central Vermont Economic Development Corp. - $50,000 grant
Northern Forest Center Inc. - $50,000 grant
Northeastern Vermont Development Association - $150,000 grant
City of Newport - $120,000 grant
Washington:
Enterprise for Equity - $89,000 grant
Western Pacific:
College of Micronesia-FSM - $50,000 grant
USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbog.htm.
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