Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of 112 recipients in 39 states for loans and grants to help spur rural economic development and create or save jobs.  In Kansas, two organization received financing from USDA Rural Development.

“USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve opportunities for rural businesses and communities to succeed,” stated USDA Rural Development State Director Patty Clark.  “The federal funds being provided today will help to create a positive economic development environment that creates jobs in rural Kansas communities.”

USDA is providing the assistance through several Rural Development programs including, the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG), Rural Cooperative Development grants and Rural Business Opportunity Grants.  With today's announcement, USDA is investing more than $20 million to spur economic growth. For a complete list of recipients that have been selected for funding, go to (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/rdEconomicDevNRCHARTOct2012.pdf). Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.

Two Kansas organizations are receiving Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG) from USDA Rural Development.  The primary objective of the RBOG program is to promote sustainable economic development in rural communities.

·         Kansas World Trade Center Inc., $50,000 grant.
Funds will be used to develop and test a pilot program to expand international trade opportunities and market for companies in rural Kansas.

“We are pleased to pilot a program to develop global opportunities for rural Kansas companies and communities,” said Karyn Page President and CEO of Kansas Global. “With the majority of the world's population outside our national borders, exports are key to our economic success.” 

·         Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, $92,445 grant.
Funds will be used to create a long-term strategic plan for sustainable economic development on the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska (ITKN) reservation.  

“The Rural Business Opportunity Grant will assist the Iowa Tribe and the surrounding community by developing a plan to help recruit new businesses to the reservation that will provide jobs,” stated Timothy Rhodd, Chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska.  “The Tribe partnered with USDA in 2010 to bring broadband to the reservation, and that project has helped lay the foundation for future economic development activity.”    

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $174 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.