Release No. 0031.10
Contact:
Office of Communications (202) 720-4623
AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES $4 MILLION IN RECOVERY ACT FUNDING FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN RURAL AREAS
Projects Include Business Expansion, Education and Training, Community Development and Technical Assistance
WASHINGTON, January 22, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 44 recipients for more than $4 million in grants to create jobs by starting or expanding businesses in rural communities. Through funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) , businesses will be able to access critical capital that will help with start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs.
"These Recovery Act grants are part of the Obama Administration's ongoing effort to promote job development by ensuring that strategic investments are made in rural America," said Vilsack. "Small businesses drive community revitalization by providing products and services to local residents. This funding will help spur important economic development and strengthen communities around the country."
For example, in Calhoun County, Ala., the town of Ohatchee has been selected to receive a $99,000 grant to refurbish and remodel a vacant building that will be become a local grocery store. Currently the residents of the community travel of town to purchase their groceries.
The Cleveland Bradley Business Incubator in Cleveland, Tenn., has been selected to receive a $99,000 grant to construct the Cleveland Bradley Energy Center which will serve start-up businesses specializing in the fields of alternative energy, conservation, innovative "green" businesses, and businesses developing "green" technologies.
In addition to the grants that USDA Rural Development is providing for the 44 projects announced today, fund recipients have raised an additional $6.9 million from other sources to dedicate to the projects.
The funding announced today is being is being provided by ARRA through USDA Rural Development's Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program (RBEG), which helps finance new and existing businesses as well as employment-related adult education programs. RBEG funds can be used for start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs. Additional information on the RBEG program may be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbeg.htm.
Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of their grant agreement. More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov. Grants announced today include:
Alabama
Town of Ohatchee, $99,000
Alaska
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, $99,000
California
Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, $98,500
City of Oroville, $60,000
Colorado
Town of Silt, $25,000
Colorado Rural Development Council, $60,000
Hawaii
The ARC of Hilo, $99,200
Sustain Hawaii, $98,408
Idaho
Clearwater Economic Development Association, Inc., $23,000
Clark County, $8,000
Illinois
City of LaHarpe, $33,750
NIU Foundation, $99,500
Iowa
Parkersburg Economic Development, $199,900
Iowa Western Community College, $112,000
Maine
Lewiston-Auburn Railroad Company, $200,000
Maryland
Cecil College, $131,000
Michigan
Yates Township, $50,000
Minnesota
City of Adrian, $99,999
Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, $99,000
Mississippi
Mississippi Coastal Plains Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc., $86,520
Missouri
Salem Area Community Betterment Association, $27,000
Randolph County Sheltered Industries, Inc., $45,000
Montana
Lake County Community Development Corporation, $30,000
Native American Development Corporation, $23,340
Nebraska
Greater Wahoo Development Foundation, $125,000
Nebraska Venture Capital Forum dba Invest Nebraska Corporation, $200,000
New Jersey
Sussex County Economic Development Partnership, Inc., $85,000
New York
Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, $200,000
Glynwood Center, Inc., $99,800
North Carolina
Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, $119,942
Ohio
Heritage Ohio, Inc., $99,873
Oregon
Northeast Oregon Economic Development District, $99,999
South Central Oregon Economic Development District $99,999
Pennsylvania
North Central Enterprises, Inc., $100,000
South Carolina
Colleton County, $199,916
Town of Pacolet, $60,000
South Dakota
Estelline Area Economic Development Corporation, $99,000
Tennessee
McNairy County Board of Education, $50,000
Cleveland Bradley Business Incubator, $99,000
Washington
NW Cooperative Development Center, $99,000
Rural Community Development Resources, $99,500
Western Pacific
The Latte Stones Foundation, $47,499
University of Guam, $50,000
Wisconsin
City of Viroqua, $90,000
President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on Feb. 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.
More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery . More information about the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov .
#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
#
USDA News
oc.news@xxxxxxxx
202 720-4623
----------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe, send email to mailto:webservices@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=UNSUBSCRIBE and reference your email address.
