WASHINGTON, August 23, 2004 –- Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced over $31 million in grant funds to assist rural Alaskans with basic community water and wastewater infrastructure, business development and community facilities as part of the overall commitment by the Bush Administration to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for Alaska Natives.

    "President Bush's vision for a strong and vibrant rural Alaska requires investing in business development and basic community infrastructure," said Veneman. "Much of the funding announced today will protect our environment through better waste management, and ensure that more families have access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water. It is important to raising healthy families and good for attracting new businesses to local communities."

   Veneman said several recipients receiving funding outlined local efforts to create and expand job opportunities and business ventures. For instance, UAA Small Business Development Center of Anchorage will provide outreach and technical assistance to six branches of the UAA's development center to help create or save over 175 jobs and assist 22 rural businesses. In addition to business and community development, USDA Rural Development will provide nearly $675,000 in grant funds to assist Alaskan communities with emergency responder equipment and facilities.

   Since the beginning of the Bush Administration, USDA Rural Development has invested over $700 million in Alaska to assist with homeownership, business and community development and infrastructure.

   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.

   Funding announced today includes: