NEWS RELEASE

United States Department of Agriculture * Rural Development

5975 Lakeside Boulevard, Indianapolis, Indiana 46278

www.rurdev.usda.gov/in

Date: July 2, 2010 Contact:  Darrell J. Mowery

Release Number:  10-39                                                                                     (317) 290-3100 Ext. 410

darrell.mowery@in.usda.gov

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$75,000 USDA Rural Development Grant will

Promote Economic Growth in Fulton County

The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development will present a $75,000 USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant to the Fulton Economic Development Corporation on Tuesday, July 6, 2010, during a ceremonial presentation hosted by Congressman Joe Donnelly.  The grant is designed to provide an incentive for business expansion, job retention and creation, and private investment in rural areas of Indiana. 

USDA Rural Development State Director Phil Lehmkuhler said, “With these funds, Fulton Economic Development Corporation will be able to assist numerous small businesses who, in the past, have had very few options for alternatives to traditional bank financing.” 

This latest grant is one of several recently awarded in Indiana by USDA Rural Development.  “These grants are in keeping with the mission of USDA Rural Development which is to provide equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure,” said Lehmkuhler.  “USDA Rural Development is committed to improving the quality of life in rural Indiana.  When rural Indiana makes progress, all of Indiana benefits.”

A $5,000 local match will also be added to the fund total.

Single family home loans, rural rental housing, water and waste water facility funding, business and industry guaranteed loans, and community facility loans and grants are financial resources available from USDA Rural Development.  Further information on rural programs is also available at USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

MEDIA NOTE:  A ceremonial check presentation is scheduled for

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 1:30 p.m.

Fulton Economic Development Corporation

822 Main Street

Rochester, IN 46975

Participants will be available for interviews and photos.