ANNA, TEXAS, November 9, 2009-- USDA Rural Development Area Director, Allen Lambright, presented a ceremonial check to Anna Community Development Corporation for a $99,900 Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) to establish a revolving loan fund for the purpose of supporting and expanding economic and employment opportunities.

“The injection of funds into the area will be used to create approximately 10 new jobs which will provide services to local residents,” said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director.  “I am very pleased that we are able to assist the Anna Community Development Corporation.”

"I am pleased that the Anna Community Development Corporation is a recipient of this USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant.  This award is an example of how federal dollars can be put to good use at the local level, and I congratulate all those involved who are working to strengthen the local economy in Anna," commented Congressman Ralph Hall, District 4.

In Fiscal Year 2009, Texas USDA Rural Development obligated over $3 million in Rural Business Enterprise Grants.  Potential businesses in rural communities interested in the RBEG Program must employ 50 or fewer new employees and have less than $1 million in gross annual revenues.  Public bodies and not-for-profit entities including federally recognized Indian Tribes located in rural areas or in communities below 50,000 in population are eligible for the RBEG Program.  Priority is given to applicants from communities of 25,000 or less.

USDA Rural Development strives to see that rural citizens can participate fully in the global economy by providing technical assistance, funding, and other programs that help rural Americans build strong economies to improve their quality of life.  For further information regarding USDA Rural Development Programs, contact the McKinney Area Office at (972) 542-0081, Extension 4, or visit our website at http://rurdev.usda.gov/tx/.