Nebraska Ag Connection - Funding Assistance to Promote Job Creation, Economic Development in 7 States

Nebraska Ag News Headlines

Funding Assistance to Promote Job Creation, Economic Development in 7 States
Nebraska Ag Connection - 03/09/2010

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Monday that utilities in seven states have been selected to receive funds that will create jobs and new business opportunities in rural America. Nebraska was included in the announcement.

"Providing community development assistance, education, training and technical support to the residents of rural communities is critical to the Obama Administration's effort to build a strong and sustainable economy," said Vilsack. "This funding will create good jobs and new business development opportunities."

For example, Tideland Electric Membership Corporation in Washington County, N.C., has been selected to receive a $740,000 loan and $300,000 grant to help construct a manufacturing facility in an industrial park. The new business will provide medical manufacturing jobs.

In Miner County, S.D., the Heartland Consumers Power District has been selected to receive a $740,000 loan and $300,000 grant to provide funding for the construction of a facility to provide training opportunities for workers in the renewable energy industry.

The funding announced today is provided under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program, administered by USDA Rural Development. The program provides interest free loans and grants to local utilities that re-lend money to local businesses for projects that will create and retain jobs in rural areas. These funds are not provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Funding of each recipient is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the loan or grant agreement. The following is a complete list of recipients in Nebraska:

-- Twin Valleys Public Power District: $300,000 grant; to assist in the construction of the Tri Valley Health System hospital addition

-- Loup Valleys Rural Public Power District: $300,000 grant; renovations to Valley County Courthouse