Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT – August 22, 2008
Contact: ALEXANDER GUFFIN: 202-225-5031

PICKERING ANNOUNCES USDA FUNDS FOR LOUISVILLE
$2.8 million to build new Head Start center for children

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Chip Pickering announces the approval of a USDA Rural Development Community Facility Direct Loan to Mississippi Action For Progress. The loan of $2,890,000 will be used to construct a new Head Start center in Louisville, Mississippi.  The existing facility is more than 25 years old and poses health and safety issues for the 250 children it serves.
 
Pickering said, “Education is the most important thing we can give our children.  As future leaders in our country and our local communities, it is essential that we provide them with the development and resources they need for success. Head Start helps lay a solid foundation by affording all of our children the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve.  I am pleased to see USDA approve this loan that will help create a healthier, safer environment for learning.”
 
“Thank God for providing us with individuals like Chip Pickering and the people of Rural Development.  During Chip’s 12 years in Congress, he has been a blessing to us by securing funding for Head Start as well as a supporter of Head Start legislation.  This loan will enable us to build a safe and sturdy structure and state of the art learning facility for our children. We look forward to our ground breaking ceremony,” said Mattie Cooper, Regional Administrator and strong advocate for Head Start and its children.
 
Since 1965, Head Start has helped 25 million pre-school aged children as a national school readiness program.  The program provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families.
 

Congressman Chip Pickering represents Mississippi’s Third Congressional District and serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  This is his sixth term.