Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Friday, January 31, 2003

MEXICO, MO - Senator Kit Bond today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development sent over $400 million in federal dollars to rural Missouri during fiscal year 2002.

"It is heart warming to see tax dollars returned to Missouri and put to use in worthwhile projects to help so many people," said Bond. "I am happy to play a role in ensuring that Missourians have access to the vital tools necessary to jump start our rural economy."

The $438,600,000 USDA funds benefitted thousands of individuals, families, businesses and communities in rural Missouri. Dollars from the Rural Housing Service funded the repair of roofs, heating, electrical and plumbing systems, and water and waste disposal systems for a number of senior citizens, disabled and needy rural families. The Community Facilities Program funded a number of projects, including equipment for fire departments, warning systems, senior centers, health departments, libraries, ambulances. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service assisted rural businesses with financing, which created/saved almost 500 Missouri jobs. Also, the Rural Utilities Service provided water and waste assistance and electrical and telephone distribution to a number of communities.

Bond praised the USDA for their commitment to rural Missouri at an announcement for an additional $875,000 in federal dollars for a mental health center, the Arthur Center, that will serve six rural counties in Missouri. ECMBHS, better known as the Arthur Center, is a not-for-profit organization that was formed to purchase, operate, and provide for community wide mental health services. The Arthur Center will provide services to a six county area to including Audrain, Callaway, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, and Ralls counties.

"The Arthur Center provides critical mental health services to rural Missourians," said Bond. "I will continue to do whatever I can to ensure the Center receives the funding it needs."

Besides the federal funding, four lending institutions provided the necessary financing, the First National Bank of Audrain County, Martinsburg Bank, US Bank of Mexico, and Commerce Bank of Mexico. The partnership of these community banks provided the financing to get the Arthur Center into new facilities, provide working capital and purchase essential equipment.

Kit Bond is Missouri’s senior Senator and is now in his third term after having served the state previously during two terms as Governor.