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KANE, Pa., April 22, 2004 –
In recognition of the 35th Annual Earth Day Agriculture Secretary Ann
M. Veneman today highlighted $221.5 million in investments to 44 states
by the Bush Administration for rural water and wastewater loans and grants
to assist rural communities environmental and safe drinking water needs.
“These funds are helping ensure
a healthy and clean environment for future generations of rural Americans,”
said Veneman. “These funds will enable rural communities to build
and improve rural water and sewage systems that will provide cleaner water,
recreation and wildlife resources.”
Funding for the projects is comprised
of $109 million in loans and $112 million in grants. Included is $21 million
to fund the selection of 16 technical assistance and training grant applications
and 46 solid waste management grant applications. The technical assistance
and training grants go to nonprofit organizations to provide technical
assistance and training to associations on a wide range of issues relating
to the delivery of water and waste disposal services. The solid waste
management grants are made to public and private nonprofit organizations
for providing technical assistance and training to associations to reduce
or eliminate pollution of water resources and improve planning and management
of solid waste facilities.
A complete list of the selected loan
and grant recipients and projects can be found at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/newsroom/news.htm
Veneman said that since the beginning
of the Bush Administration, USDA Rural Development has funded $4.9 billion
in loans and grants, including $762 million in 2002 Farm Bill financing,
to assist communities in the construction or improvement of over 3,578
water or waste water systems, benefiting more than 2.7 million people
living in rural areas.
Funding of selected applicants will
be contingent upon meeting the conditions of the loan and grant agreements.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs that will support
increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for 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.
Additional information about rural programs is available at the local
USDA Rural Development office or on USDA's Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov
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