Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT – August 21, 2008
Contact: ALEXANDER GUFFIN: 202-225-5031

PICKERING: $2.6 MILLION IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS
$289K for Rankin County - $1,586,000 for Oktibbeha  County – $774K for Amite County

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Congressman Chip Pickering announces three USDA Rural Development funding packages totaling more than $2.6 million for water and waste disposal improvements and economic development purposes.

The Greenfield Water Association in Rankin County will receive a Water and Waste Disposal loan of $89,000 and a guaranteed loan of $200,000 to install 3.1 miles of a new distribution line and to install fire flows in order to improve water pressure and fire protection.

In Oktibbeha County, the Talking Warrior Water Association will receive a grant of $833,000 and an additional loan of $753,000 from Farm Bill 2008 funding.  The funds will be used to install a new well and distribution line improvements.

North East Amite County Water Association will receive a Water and Waste Disposal loan of $774,000 from Farm Bill 2008 funding.  These funds will be used to drill a new water well and replace distribution lines.    

“Strong and modern water systems contribute both to a healthy community and a healthy environment.  These USDA funds will allow expansion and increased economic development in these counties. Residents will benefit from these improvements both in their quality of life and future economic development potential,” Congressman Pickering said.

Congressman Chip Pickering represents Mississippi’s Third Congressional District and serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  This is his sixth term.