Press Release of Senator Lugar Grants Awarded to Hoosier Counties Friday, July 18, 2008 U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar was notified that three Indiana counties will receive rural development funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).   “Our rural communities play a critical role in Indiana’s prosperity,” said Lugar. “We must work to help rural communities, small businesses, and entrepreneurs take advantage of opportunities for business development in order to ensure a strong, vibrant future for rural Indiana, and I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has recognized these Indiana communities.”   The Daviess County Economic Development Foundation has been awarded a Rural Business Enterprise Grant of $250,000. These funds will be used to convert an existing cheese processing plant into a community processing facility, which will be located in Elnora, Indiana. The facility will allow community members to develop and process their wholesale foods under guidance of the Indiana State Department of Health Wholesale Food Protection Program.   The Clay County Board of Commissioners has been awarded a Rural Business Enterprise Grant of $200,000. The funds will be used for planning and engineering studies, both aimed at increased business development in Clay County.   The Morgan County Economic Development Corporation has been awarded a Rural Business Enterprise Grant of $100,000, which will be used for Revolving Loan Funds. The loans will be handed down to rural small businesses in Morgan County who have experienced losses due to the recent natural disasters.   Questions regarding the Federal Grants process may be directed to Andrew Mills, Grants Coordinator, by phone at 202-224-4814 or by email at grants@lugar.senate.gov .    ###