ALBUQUERQUE, NM, October 15, 2015 – This afternoon, 'USDA Deming Day' was celebrated by USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner and by U.S. Senator Tom Udall. The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of four certificates of obligation to fund economic development projects throughout Luna County.
During the celebration ceremony Brunner said, "Today's announcement is an example of USDA an example of the Obama Administration's efforts to create Ladders of Opportunities for people in rural communities facing challenges." Brunner added, "By elevating efforts in several important areas we are helping the residents in Luna County have access to better electric service, the opportunity to build a new homes and the chance to run a more profitable business. We hope to see these efforts lift up the entire community here in Luna County"
The four certificates of obligation were given to:
- Columbus Electric Cooperative, which received a loan for $14,705,000 from Rural Development's Rural Utility Service (RUS) to make 316 consumer connections, and to upgrade equipment and make other system improvements.
- Luna County, received a $50,000 Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) which will be used to; identify, train, and provide technical assistance to existing small and emerging businesses. The program will meet with local businesses to tailor a training program to their specific needs.
- NM Small Business Development Center received a $84,183 Rural Business Development Grant to provide hands-on education with an experienced business advisor who understands their particular business needs and help them access the tools and resources to start or build their business. Workshops will provide introductions to topics that will directly improve the business owner's success. The business advisor will follow-up with workshop attendees to assist the business owner to implement the classroom information acquired as it fits their business.
- The Southwest Regional Housing and Community Development (SWRHCD) received a $252,872 Self-Help Technical Assistant Grant to provide guidance and assistance to 13 low and very-low income families in qualifying and packaging loans for the USDA RD 502 Housing Loan program. Once the families qualify for a home loan they will help each other build their homes. The home buyers will also get homebuyer education by SWRHCD prior to the closing of the loan. The families will also receive technical support and hands on education on how to build their home throughout the construction process.
Click "Play" to listen to the statement.
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