Washington, D.C. – Congressman G. K. Butterfield today applauded President Obama’s appointment of Randall Gore as North Carolina state director of USDA Rural Development.
 
“This is a key federal appointment for North Carolina’s rural communities,” Butterfield said. “Randy Gore is a friend with great experience and knowledge in rural issues. I know that he will help put rural resources where they are needed most.”
 
Gore, a Brunswick County native, previously served as Area Director of Rural Development in Asheboro for 11 years. He served as Multi-family Housing Specialist of USDA’s Greensboro Farmers Home Administration for four years. He replaces John J. Cooper.
 
Butterfield explained that USDA administers the greatest number of number of rural development programs and provides the greatest amount of assistance directly to rural counties. Much of that funding, he said, comes through Rural Development.
 
Rural Development administers and manages more than 40 programs. Theses are delivered through its Utilities Programs, which address rural needs for clean running water, sewers and waste disposal, electricity, and telecommunications; Housing Programs, which address rural need for housing, health facilities, fire and police stations, and other community facilities; Business Programs, which help to create new rural job opportunities; and, Community Development Programs, which addresses unique and pressing economic development issues.
 
Butterfield said that in addition to helping to address rural water and sewer needs, Rural Development will play a particularly important role in developing broadband service in rural areas.
 
Rural Development often works in partnership with other entities – such as state, local, and tribal governments, private and non-profit organizations, and member-owned cooperatives – to revitalize rural areas. Its 6,100 employees provide services through 500 national, state and local offices.