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Moul discusses USDA Rural Development programsNebraska USDA Rural Development's Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul visited city officials and partners Aug. 5 to discuss the funding opportunities USDA Rural Development has for rural Nebraska. Moul gathered with economic development partners in a meeting hosted by Joe Ferguson of Northeast Community College. Among those attending were Mary Plettner of NPPD, Dave Simonson of Elkhorn Valley Economic Development Council, Tom Higginbotham of Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District, Roger Nadrchal of NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska, Stan Staab of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District and other partners. The discussion focused on how USDA Rural Development might collaborate with area communities and businesses to stimulate economic activity and to create jobs in Northeast Nebraska. Discussions were held with John Blaylock and Joe Ferguson of Northeast Community College about educational initiatives that have potential to spur economic development in the area. Moul met with Chamber of Commerce President Dennis Houston and board members to discuss economic development initiatives now receiving consideration. Moul also met with Connie Geary and other members of a farmer's market group. The group discussed an effort to look at the potential for a year-around farmer's market facility in Norfolk. In another visit, Chris Amundson, publisher of Nebraska Life Magazine, provided Moul with a tour of the publishing facility which has had recent improvements financed in part by the USDA Rural Development, Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Refurbishing includes an upgrade in insulation, HVAC, lighting, windows and doors, consistent with a downtown atmosphere that provides an excellent showplace for the magazine. Moul was nominated for the state director position by U.S. Senator Ben Nelson and appointed by President Barack Obama on June 29. Moul was Nelson's Lt. Governor from 1990 to 1993 when she left to become Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development until 1999. In 1995, she helped form the Partnership for Rural Nebraska and served on its Governance Board, representing the State of Nebraska. She served as President and CEO of the Nebraska Community Foundation, formed in 1993. She was elected President Emeritus and retired from the Foundation in January 2006. Moul said, "I am pleased to be working again with rural Nebraskans and their communities. The USDA Rural Development offices in Lincoln, Kearney, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Ainsworth and Norfolk provide great access to the federal government's programs for job creation and community infrastructure." USDA Rural Development administered nearly $195 million in grants, loans and loan guarantees in Nebraska last fiscal year for housing, business and community development, telecommunications, value-added activities and electricity. Since 2000, more than $1 billion has been invested in Nebraska through Rural Development programs.
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