NEWS RELEASE WASHINGTON, D.C.

Contact: Rosemarie Massa (717) 237-2269

RURAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER SECRETARY PRESENTS GRANT TO PROMOTE BIOFUELS DEVELOPMENT IN PENNSYLVANIA

     HARRISBURG, Pa., June 19, 2006--Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas Dorr today presented a ceremonial check for $99,300 to Southern Alleghenies Conservancy, Inc. The funds, provided through USDA Rural Development's Rural Business Enterprise Grant program, are to be used to complete a feasibility study for the development of a biofuels plant in the Southern Alleghenies region.

     "USDA Rural Development is now a comprehensive developer of renewable energy," said Dorr. "Ethanol, biodiesel, other biomass, wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen, or hybrids - we do them all. From the beginning of the Bush Administration through 2005, we have invested over $356 million in 650 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. That commitment has leveraged an additional $1.26 billion in private investment."

     Dorr was in Harrisburg to speak at a renewable energy conference sponsored by USDA Rural Development, U. S. Senator Rick Santorum and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Joining Dorr were Senator Santorum and Pennsylvania Rural Development State Director Gary Groves. Receiving the check on behalf of Southern Alleghenies Conservancy, Inc. was Mr. Jim Eckenrode of the Blair County Conservation District.

     "Renewable energy opportunities provide exciting energy alternatives and economic opportunity. The grant to Southern Alleghenies Conservancy is a fine example of USDA Rural Development's commitment to these opportunities in order to enhance our nation's energy independence," Groves said. The renewable energy conference covered topics including biodiesel development, wind energy, anaerobic digester systems and agriculture economics. Federal and State agencies highlighted their renewable energy programs to an audience of agriculture producers, rural small business owners and other interested parties.

     USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural communities. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested over $63 billion since the beginning of the Bush Administration to provide equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Over 1.1 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. In Pennsylvania, contact the state office at (717) 237-2299 or visit the website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/pa.

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