Rochester, IN – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced two USDA grants in north central Indiana.  First, he joined Mayor Smiley and Fulton County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Terry Lee at the Fulton County Economic Development Corp. to announce a $75,000 USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant.   The Rural Business Enterprise Grant is issued by the USDA to provide incentives for business expansion, job retention and creation, and private investment in rural areas of Indiana.

“I’m pleased to announce this significant investment in Fulton County’s economic future,” said Donnelly.  “I look forward to seeing entrepreneurs and existing businesses use this funding to tap into the talented workforce in Fulton County.”

Later today, Congressman Donnelly will visit Michael Cadwallader’s farm in Lucerne to announce a USDA Rural Energy for America Program Grant to make energy efficient improvements to their farm.  The Cadwalladers purchased a new grain dryer with the help of this grant.  The Rural Energy for America Program assists farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

“Investments like these in our rural communities are essential to reduce energy costs for our farmers,” said Donnelly.  “I’m pleased the Cadwallader family was able to purchase a new grain dryer with the help of this grant.”

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