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N.C. universities receive USDA funding to create rural job opportunities
Story Date: 10/18/2012
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Source: USDA, 10/17/12
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 112 recipients in 39 states, Washington, DC, and the Western Pacific for loans and grants to help spur rural economic development and create or save jobs.
"These awards illustrate the important impact that economic development assistance can have on small towns and rural communities," Vilsack said.. "Whether the funding is given directly to individuals or businesses, or indirectly through utilities and other intermediaries, the results are the same: new jobs, stronger economies and more vibrant communities."
USDA is providing assistance through several Rural Development programs. In one, the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program, utilities receive zero-interest loans that they pass through to local businesses for projects to create and retain jobs in rural areas. For example, Lawrenceburg Utility Systems in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., has been selected for a $260,000 grant to provide financing to the Twenty-First Century Council of Lawrence County. The council will help the current tenant of an industrial building expand production. For more information about the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program, please visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_redlg.html.
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
$173,087
Funds will be used to provide cooperative development technical assistance to small, socially disadvantaged producers in North Carolina.
North Carolina State University
$175,000
Funds will be used to support a center that will provide technical assistance to cooperatives and rural businesses. |
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