August 21, 2002

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman says $703 million will go for economic development projects to strengthen rural communities throughout the United States. The 377 projects being announced in 47 states and Puerto Rico will build and upgrade water and waste disposal facilities and provide clean drinking water to improve the quality of life for thousands of residents and businesses in rural communities.

The projects are designed to spur economic growth, job creation and help the environment through the building and upgrading of water and waste disposal facilities throughout the country. These projects are funded through the new farm law.

In fiscal year 2002, USDA will provide nearly $2 billion to fund more than 1,100 water and waste disposal projects in rural communities, an increase from $1.4 billion in fiscal 2001.

Veneman and several USDA officials are participating in water and rural development events highlighting the importance of these projects to rural communities. For more information about these events and a complete list of the individual grant recipients, please call 202-690-0498 or visit USDA's Rural Development website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/.