GLENCOE, LA - Today U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon presented checks for loans totaling $2,600,000 to the Glencoe Education Foundation of Glencoe Charter School and for a $73,500 grant to Frank Martin Farms. The funds come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program.  The check presentation was held with students, teachers, and administrators at Glencoe Charter School this morning.

“Today we are investing a stronger future for south Louisiana,” said Melancon. “As my children were growing up here, I saw the value of a good learning environment for those early years of school. Now the students at Glencoe will have that solid start to their futures. Likewise, this Market Development Grant will help sugarcane farmers find new sources of revenue from a crop they’ve been growing for centuries in Louisiana.” 

Glencoe Education Foundation, Inc. will use its $1,600,000 Community Facility Direct Loan and $1,000,000 Community Facility Guaranteed Loan to construct a new elementary school to house grades K-4. The existing school consists of temporary modular buildings.

Frank Martin Farms, Inc. will use their $73,500 Value-Added Product Market Development Grant for a comprehensive study and business plan to add value to sugarcane biomass (leaves and tops) left in the field after harvest.

The check presentation was part of Glencoe Charter School’s “Business and Community Open House,” which welcomed over thirty businesses and community and state leaders.

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