By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-988755.mp3
Plattsburgh, NY – Funds have been distributed to projects thru the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program in states that include New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. USDA Rural Business Administrator Judith Canales explained the program during a conference call.
Judith Canales notes that the 8-point-6-million dollars is distributed via grants and loans in three categories.
This is the second year the North Country Grown Cooperative has received a grant under the USDA Small, Socially-Disadvantaged Producer Grant program. Board Vice President Ann Heidenreich says this grant will allow them to expand on the business plans crafted under the previous grant.
Again, The USDA's Judith Canales.
The North Country Grown Cooperative is receiving over 117-thousand dollars from the USDA. The USDA is distributing Rural Business Opportunity Grants of 50-thousand dollars to Sullivan County, New York and 74-thousand dollars to the Northern Community Investment Corporation in Vermont