LONDON, Ohio, Sept. 21, 2004 –- Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the awarding of $16,087,747 in rural development assistance for Ohio.

    "These investments for Ohio rural communities will help assist rural Ohio families increase their economic opportunities and improve their quality of life," Veneman said during remarks at the Farm Science Review being held here. "This Administration is working to support community leaders' efforts to improve conditions in rural Ohio and make sure local governments and residents have access to jobs and a secure place to live."

   Veneman said that today's announcements include funding for improving community infrastructure that will benefit nearly 1,000 households and businesses in the community of Zanesville; purchase of emergency responder equipment in the communities of Barnesville and Jewett; and help with saving or creating 346 jobs and business development in the communities of Andover, Medina and Valley City and McArthur. A complete list of funding announcements can be viewed at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov Funding of individual recipients will be contingent upon meeting the conditions of the loan or grant agreement.

   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