USDA Rural Development regional meeting held in Dodge City

Western Kansas

USDA Rural Development hosted the Agency's southwest regional Value-Added Producer Grant Program and Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Program workshop recently in Dodge City. The day-long meeting was held in the conference room of the High Plains Journal and provided the Agency the opportunity to present information to the public about the USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant Program and Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Program which can help stimulate community and economic development for towns, businesses, and agricultural producers.

USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks, commenting about the regional meeting, indicated, "The Agency appreciates the opportunity to provide information about its programs, and how this assistance can benefit southwest Kansas. USDA Rural Development is committed, through the Agency's programs and its strong network of partners, to assist southwest Kansans to achieve their important community and economic development goals."

In his remarks, Banks further stated, "Developing both value-added agricultural projects and renewable energy systems not only improve economic opportunities for our state's farmers, ranchers and small business owners, it also improves the national security of our Nation. These grant funds can provide valuable support in the areas of renewable value-added and energy development where the agricultural sector continues to be a leader in forging important new solutions."

State Director Banks also thanked the High Plains Journal for assisting the Agency in hosting the meeting.

Additional USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant Program and Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Program regional meetings were also held in Salina, Iola, and Topeka.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs that support increasing economic opportunity and improving the quality of life of the State's rural residents. The Agency provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure in rural America. During Fiscal Year 2005, USDA Rural Development provided nearly $235 million in direct funding for community and economic development projects across rural Kansas.

For additional information regarding USDA Rural Development programs, individuals may call the Agency's state headquarters at 785-271-2700 or log onto the state's Agency website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks.

Date: 2/21/06