WASHINGTON, January 22, 2010 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 44 recipients for more than $4 million in grants to create jobs by starting or expanding businesses in rural communities. Through funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, businesses will be able to access critical capital that will help with start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs.



"These Recovery Act grants are part of the Obama Administration's ongoing effort to promote job development by ensuring that strategic investments are made in rural America," said Vilsack. "Small businesses drive community revitalization by providing products and services to local residents. This funding will help spur important economic development and strengthen communities around the country."



For example, in Calhoun County, Ala., the town of Ohatchee has been selected to receive a $99,000 grant to refurbish and remodel a vacant building that will be become a local grocery store. Currently the residents of the community travel of town to purchase their groceries.



The Cleveland Bradley Business Incubator in Cleveland, Tenn., has been selected to receive a $99,000 grant to construct the Cleveland Bradley Energy Center which will serve start-up businesses specializing in the fields of alternative energy, conservation, innovative "green" businesses, and businesses developing "green" technologies.



In addition to the grants that USDA Rural Development is providing for the 44 projects announced today, fund recipients have raised an additional $6.9 million from other sources to dedicate to the projects.



The funding announced today is being is being provided by ARRA through USDA Rural Development's Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program, which helps finance new and existing businesses as well as employment-related adult education programs. RBEG funds can be used for start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs. Additional information on the RBEG program may be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbeg.htm.



Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of their grant agreement. More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov. Grants announced today include:



Alabama

Town of Ohatchee, $99,000



Alaska

Ketchikan Gateway Borough, $99,000



California

Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, $98,500

City of Oroville, $60,000



Colorado

Town of Silt, $25,000

Colorado Rural Development Council, $60,000



Hawaii

The ARC of Hilo, $99,200

Sustain Hawaii, $98,408



Idaho

Clearwater Economic Development Association, Inc., $23,000

Clark County, $8,000



Illinois

City of LaHarpe, $33,750

NIU Foundation, $99,500



Iowa

Parkersburg Economic Development, $199,900

Iowa Western Community College, $112,000



Maine

Lewiston-Auburn Railroad Company, $200,000



Maryland

Cecil College, $131,000



Michigan

Yates Township, $50,000



Minnesota

City of Adrian, $99,999

Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, $99,000



Mississippi

Mississippi Coastal Plains Resource Conservation & Development Council,

Inc., $86,520



Missouri

Salem Area Community Betterment Association, $27,000

Randolph County Sheltered Industries, Inc., $45,000



Montana

Lake County Community Development Corporation, $30,000

Native American Development Corporation, $23,340



Nebraska

Greater Wahoo Development Foundation, $125,000

Nebraska Venture Capital Forum dba Invest Nebraska Corporation, $200,000



New Jersey

Sussex County Economic Development Partnership, Inc., $85,000



New York

Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, $200,000

Glynwood Center, Inc., $99,800



North Carolina

Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, $119,942



Ohio

Heritage Ohio, Inc., $99,873



Oregon

Northeast Oregon Economic Development District, $99,999

South Central Oregon Economic Development District $99,999



Pennsylvania

North Central Enterprises, Inc., $100,000



South Carolina

Colleton County, $199,916

Town of Pacolet, $60,000



South Dakota

Estelline Area Economic Development Corporation, $99,000



Tennessee

McNairy County Board of Education, $50,000

Cleveland Bradley Business Incubator, $99,000



Washington

NW Cooperative Development Center, $99,000

Rural Community Development Resources, $99,500



Western Pacific

The Latte Stones Foundation, $47,499

University of Guam, $50,000



Wisconsin

City of Viroqua, $90,000



President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on Feb. 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.



More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery . More information about the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov.

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This article was submitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.