TEMPLE, TEXAS, September 14, 2011 – USDA Rural Development State Director, Paco Valentin, with Area Director Allen Lambright, today presented ceremonial checks totaling over $1.2 million to four benefactors throughout Grayson County.

“These funding presentations represent the diversity of assistance USDA Rural Development can provide to communities to increase the quality of life for residents and businesses in rural Texas,” said Valentin.  “From water system upgrades to energy efficiency improvements, Rural Development is pleased to assist these recipients by providing the needed funding to their communities.”

 Royce Richardson, owner of R&M’s RV, Boat and Self-Storage of Whitewright, was the recipient of a Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant through Rural Development.  The $5,871 grant will allow Richardson to construct a 2.4kw wind system that will offset the electricity used for his business and provide significant energy savings throughout the year.
 
 The Van Alstyne Economic Development Corporation (EDC) was awarded a $99,900 Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) to create a revolving loan fund that will assist small and emerging businesses with the city of Van Alstyne.  This program helps finance new and existing businesses, as well as employment-related adult education programs.  RBEG funds can be used for start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs.

W. Douglass Distributing, Ltd., of Sherman, received a $11,829 grant through Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program.  The company plans to use the funding to purchase a flex fuel gas pump to replace on older conventional pump.  The new pump will dispense fuels containing up to 85% Ethanol (E85), for an estimated energy savings over $11,000 per year.  The new E85 pump will be available to the public. 

 The City of Southmayd will benefit from a $1,119,000 Water and Waste Disposal loan from Rural Development to be used to combine the city’s current water system with a private water system from the Westview subdivision.  This will provide better quality water and an increase to the service pumping capacity for over 900 rural residents.
 
 USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $155 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

For further information regarding these and other USDA Rural Development programs, and to find your local area office, please visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/TXHome.html