CLAY GETS $225,000 RURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT - Create 61 Jobs

(06/28/2004)
State Director Jenny Phillips today announced that Rural Development has approved grant funding in the amount of $225,000 for Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone (CAEZ) of West Virginia Corporation in Clay County, WV. The assistance will be made through the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) and Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) programs.

The Rural Development grants will provide funding for the completion of a feasibility study that will identify the potential business opportunities related to tourism within the CAEZ; it will also provide funding for a revolving loan fund for loans to small businesses within the census tracts of the CAEZ.

"These projects are expected to create 61 jobs and, in turn, will improve economic opportunities in our rural communities," stated Phillips.

USDA Rural Development serves as the lead Federal entity for rural development needs and administers program assistance through its rural housing programs, rural business programs, and rural utilities programs.