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  For Immediate Release  
  Contact: Phil Bloomer  
  Phone: (217) 403-4690  
December 28, 2005
 
REP. JOHNSON HIGHLIGHTS RURAL DEVELOPMENT
 
 
 

Champaign, IL. -  Rep. Tim Johnson on Wednesday accepted a $54 million “check” - payable to the people of the 15th Congressional District – from the office of USDA Rural Development.

      The check represents the amount of federal funding Rep. Johnson’s 15th Congressional District was able to attract for investment in the broad swath of programs that help protect the health of rural America.

      “This was an outstanding year for rural development in Illinois and in particular the 15th District,” said Rep. Johnson. “This funding represents key investment in water and sewer plants, in police departments and home ownership, all pieces of our infrastructure that are vital to the health of our rural communities.”

      The symbolic check was presented to Rep. Johnson by Douglas Wilson, state director of USDA Rural Development.

      “The 15th Congressional District has a large rural population and Rural Development has been successful in helping residents make positive gains,” Wilson said. “The Meadowbrook Farms facility in Rantoul and Lincolnland Agri-Energy in Robinson are two examples of how Rural Development has worked with Illinois producers to help them gain greater profitability from their products. Residents of the 15th District whether on farms or in the many small communities have been helped by these programs.”

      USDA-Rural Development’s 2005 investment in the 15th District was $54,891,642. The statewide total was $326,367,913. The agency provides financial support for essential public facilities and services such as housing, healthcare facilities, emergency services, water and sewer systems, and electric and telephone service.  The agency promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and non-profit organizations and by offering grants for business development, value-added agriculture, renewable energy and energy efficiency.

      Among projects benefiting in this area, in Arthur, USDA invested $5.7 million in the Eberhardt Village Assisted Living Facility by way of a Community Facility Loan.

      Gibson City won a $35,475 grant to upgrade police department communications.

      The Village of Potomac won a $384,000 loan for a combination village hall, police station and community meeting facility.

      The Embarras Area Water System was able to extend its water mains with a $2.1 million Water and Waste Loan.

 

 

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