USDA Rural Development assisted Missouri with more than $679 million in financial assistance during Fiscal Year 2006.  The assistance was through a variety of loan and grant programs to thousands of individuals, families, businesses and communities.  These programs consist of a variety of loan, loan guarantee and grant programs, plus technical assistance in the areas of business and industry, cooperative development, rural housing, community facilities, water and waste disposal, electrification and telecommunications, including distance learning, broadband, and telemedicine.   These accomplishments were in support of President George Bush's initiatives for rural America and USDA Rural Developments overall vision statement --  Committed to the future of rural communities!

"USDA, Rural Development is extremely pleased to help Missouri with this financial assistance.  "I sincerely appreciate the hard work of the Missouri Rural Development staff, the applicants that waded through too much paperwork, the strong support that we received from the Missouri Congressional delegation, and President Bush's leadership.  In addition, I want to extend that appreciation to the many partners that assisted Missouri USDA Rural Development staff with our accomplishments.  With continued cooperation, we look forward to helping more individuals, families, businesses and communities with their needs in the year ahead."