WASHINGTON, September 12, 2006-Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the award of $16,506,190 in Economic Impact Grants to improve public safety, health care and educational services in 30 states and the Western Pacific. The funds are provided through USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Program.

"These grants will enhance the quality of life for thousands of rural Americans," said Johanns. "All across the country, new public safety equipment, clinics and building repair projects will be funded through these grants. On this anniversary of September 11th, I'm especially pleased to know that many of these grants will assist first responders in our rural communities."

Many of the grants announced today fund equipment or facilities for providers of emergency services. In the five years since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, the Bush Administration, through USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Program, has invested over $1.3 billion and funded 3,556 individual projects or equipment purchases for first responders.

Economic Impact Grants are provided to communities for a number of uses including emergency equipment purchases and to fund necessary community facilities including clinics, public safety buildings and community centers. For example, the community of Alexandria, Neb., will receive $80,640 in grants to purchase an ambulance and defibrillator. The Rosebud Sioux Tribe of S.D. will receive $135,000 to purchase two ambulances and Wisconsin's Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians will receive $200,000 to be used to partially fund the construction of a new 20,000 square foot medical clinic. The Catahoula Medical Complex in Jonesville, La., will receive $73,500 to make roof repairs. Friars Point, Miss., will receive $122,000 to assist in the construction of a municipal building to house the police and fire departments. The community of Gainesboro, Tenn., will receive a $7,000 grant to place a tornado warning siren at a local school. The 245 projects selected for funding are located in: Alaska, Ark., Calif., Hawaii, Iowa, Ill., Ky., La., Maine, Mich., Minn., Mo., Miss., Mont., N.C., N.D., Neb., N.H., N.J., N.M., Okla., Ore., S.D., Tenn., Utah, Va., Vt., Wash., Wis., W.Va. and the Western Pacific.

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 $72 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 1.2 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. A complete list of grant recipients is available at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.