USDA Funding to Support Small, Socially Disadvantaged Producers

Release No. 0192.13

Contact:  Candice Celestin (202) 690-2385

Agriculture Secretary Announces Funding to Support Small, Socially Disadvantaged Producers

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced grants to support small, socially disadvantaged agriculture producers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

"These grants will help socially-disadvantaged business owners get the tools they need to succeed and expand markets across the nation," said Vilsack. "This funding is an example of the Obama Administration's dedication to the economic stability of rural communities throughout the country."

Funding is provided through USDA's Small Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant program, which offers technical assistance to help producers develop new markets and grow their operations. For example, the Latino Economic Development Center in Minneapolis has been selected to receive a $200,000 grant to provide legal and business training to small Latino and Hmong agricultural producers.

A complete list of grant recipients follows below. The funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.

• New Mexico - Southwest Development Center Inc. – $150,000 grant. Funds will be used to help set up and manage two food hubs at a food cooperative.

Secretary Vilsack noted that today's funding announcements are another reminder of the importance of USDA programs for rural America. A comprehensive new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill would further expand the rural economy – and he said that's just one reason why Congress must get a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill done as soon as possible.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users)

Under the Small Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant Program, five grants were awarded in Mississippi totaling nearly $1 million in investment. The objective of this program is to provide technical assistance to qualified producers to help expand and improve their operation. For example, a Mississippi organization is receiving a grant to conduct seven training sessions for small meat goat producers that will focus on risk management.

Additionally, Secretary Vilsack announced funding for seven Rural Energy for America Program projects that will help agriculture producers and small businesses in rural Mississippi reduce energy consumption and adopt renewable energy tools. REAP is authorized under the soon-to-expire 2008 Farm Bill. Since the start of the Obama Administration, REAP has helped fund nearly 8,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide.

Vilsack also announced the award of grants for three projects in Mississippi to meet the healthcare needs of residents living in the Delta region. More than $1.8 million in healthcare grants is being provided through the Delta Health Care Services Grant Program. This program was established in the 2008 Farm Bill to address the unmet health needs of Delta residents. The program is a collaborative effort among healthcare professionals, institutions of higher education, research institutions and other entities.

The funding announced today is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.

Small Socially Disadvantage Producer Grant Program

• Mississippi Association of Cooperatives –$199,998 grant. Funds will be used to help eligible producers develop business and marketing plans, coordinate strategic planning sessions, and conduct training workshops.
• Mississippi Meat Goat Producers – $200,000 grant. Funds will be used to conduct seven training sessions focusing on five key risk management areas for goat meat producers.
• North Delta Producer Growers Association – $185,000 grant. Funds will be used to provide technical assistance to transfer the management and operation of the Alcorn State University vegetable processing facility to the cooperative.
• Tri Country Agricultural Cooperative – $199,842 grant. Funds will be used help producers develop of diversified marketing strategies and develop agricultural businesses.
• Winston County Self Help Association, Inc. – $200,000 grant. Funds will be used to provide business development, resource management, and legal assistance to eligible producers.

Rural Energy for America Program – Mississippi Recipients

• Seward and Son Planting Company, Louise, Miss. – $49,625 grant. Funds will be used to replace a grain dryer.
• Tuyet T. Vo, Union, Miss. –$26,446 grant. Funds will be used to replace lighting, doors, fans, brooders and insulation in poultry houses.
• John Nguyen, Decatur, Miss. – $22,115 grant. Funds will be used to install controllers, baffle curtains, fans, brooders and doors in poultry houses.
• Synergetics DCS, Inc., Starkville, Miss. – $230,122 grant. Funds will be used to install a solar energy system.
• Synergetics Properties, LLC, Starkville, Miss. –$125,000 grant. Funds will be used to install a solar energy system.
• David Palmer, LLC, Starkville, Miss. – $40,625 grant. Funds will be used to install a solar energy system.
• Willie R. Gilbert, Lake, Miss. – $23,067 grant. Funds will be used to install brooders, doors, cool cells, fans, vents and lighting in poultry houses.

Delta Health Care Services Grant Program
Mississippi 

• Delta Health Alliance, Inc. – $900,000 grant. Funds will be used to improve facilities at a rural health clinic and establish a telehealth network linking several medical facilities.
• Delta State University – $477,452 grant. Funds will be used to provide advanced training for mental health counselors, and provide mental health care services to children and teens.
• University of Mississippi Medical Center – $461,405 grant. Funds will be used to establish a telehealth network, support continuing education for health care workers, and provide health and wellness education services.

Secretary Vilsack noted that today's funding announcements are another reminder of the importance of USDA programs for rural America. A comprehensive new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill would further expand the rural economy – and he said that's just one reason why Congress must get a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill done as soon as possible.

Flood damage repair funds for low income rural NM homeowners

Release No. 13-76-01                                                                                      For Immediate Release  ­

Applications to Be Taken for Home Repairs Caused by 

Rain Damage and Flooding in Rural New Mexico

USDA RD Prepared to take applications from qualified very low income homeowners

 (September 17, 2013 Albuquerque, NM) USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner announced today his staff is prepared to provide information and take applications to help fix homes damaged in rural communities devastated from the recent rain storms.

In making the announcement Brunner said, “I’ve directed my staff to be prepared to provide as much service as possible to help qualified homeowners fix their homes damaged by the rain fall and flooding.”  Brunner added, “We will do everything we can to help those homeowners that need the most help to fix their homes.”

The funding is through USDA Rural Development’s Section 504 housing loan and grant program which provides financial help to very low income home owners living in a rural community to rehabilitate their home.  The program can provide a $7,500 grant to rural residents who are 62 years old or older who own their home and have a very low income.  The money can be used to fix a roof and other types of repairs including window repair and other needed necessities. The 504 loan program is also available to all very low income homeowners also living in a rural community. It provides up to a $20-thousand loan for one percent interest to repair or refurbish a home.

“This program will be especially helpful to those low income residents that need additional financial support because they don’t have the insurance to cover the damage that was done to their home because of the recent rains,” said Brunner.

Those wanting to apply for the Section 504 housing repair program should contact one of USDA Rural Development’s offices to see if they qualify for a loan or a grant and to set up an appointment to make an application.

Aztec
1427 West Aztec Blvd Suite 1
Aztec, NM 87410
505-334-3090 Extension #4

Las Cruces
2510 Telshor
Las Cruces, NM 88011
575-522-8775 Extension #4

Las Vegas
1927-A North 7th Street
Las Vegas, NM  87701
505-425-3594 Extension #4

Los Lunas
2600 Palmilla Road Suite C
Los Lunas, NM 87031
505-865-4643 Extension #4

Roswell
1011 Atkinson Ave.
Roswell, NM 88203
575-622-8745 Extension #4


USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as the Department implements sequestration – the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act.

 USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.

October Gazette

The October Gazette is on its way to the printer, but you can see it right now at http://www.glenwoodgazette.com/

Fur & Feather Open House Rescheduled

FUR AND FEATHER ANIMAL ASSISTANCE, INC.

RE-SCHEDULED OPEN HOUSE

FALL OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, October 19th

12 pm - 4pm

• The public is invited to come out and learn about our rescue mission and rehabilitation efforts for abused and unwanted animals.  
• Meet our rescued dogs and cats ready to be adopted and have some fun!
• There will be refreshments, a craft table and give-a-ways.
• For directions email us at furandfeatheranimalassistance@gmail.com or call 575-772-2661
• Pet food, cat litter and monetary donations are always welcomed.
• Fur and Feather Animal Assistance is a 501(c)(3) charity.

AZ Game & Fish Wolf Meetings This Week

Arizona Game and Fish Department to hold informational meetings this week on federal proposals regarding Mexican wolf conservation

Sept. 22, 2013

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will hold public meetings this week in Payson, Tucson and Pinetop to share information with constituents on two proposed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rules dealing with Mexican wolf conservation, and how the public can provide comments to the Service.

The first federal rule proposes delisting the gray wolf from the federal list of threatened and endangered species but maintaining endangered status for the Mexican wolf. The second federal rule proposes expansion of the geographic boundaries of the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area in Arizona and New Mexico, as well as modification of the 10(j) rule for managing the experimental Mexican wolf population. Public comments to the Service on both proposed rules are due by Oct. 28, 2013.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the agency responsible under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for taking comments from the public regarding the two proposals, but the Service is not holding any public hearings in Arizona. It has only scheduled public hearings in three out-of-state locations: Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, Calif., on the first rule, and Albuquerque, N.M. on both rules.

"Since the Service has not scheduled any public hearings in our state, we feel it's important for Arizona Game and Fish, as the state agency responsible for managing wildlife in Arizona, to meet with constituents so they are informed about these proposals and are aware of how they can provide formal comment to the Service," said Jim deVos, assistant director for Game and Fish’s Wildlife Management Division. "The questions and input we hear at these meetings will also continue to inform us of the desires and concerns of our diverse constituency."

The meetings will be held from 4-7 p.m. on the following dates:

• Monday, Sept. 23 -- Payson, Greater Payson Moose Lodge, 4211 E. Highway 260, Star Valley. 
• Tuesday, Sept. 24 -- Tucson, Arizona Game and Fish Department Region 5 office, 555 N. Greasewood Road. 
• Thursday, Sept. 26 -- Pinetop, Arizona Game and Fish Department Region 1 office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd. 

Each meeting will include a presentation at 4 p.m. that will be repeated at 5:30 p.m. There will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions after each presentation. Information will be provided on how to submit formal comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the proposed rules.

Arizona Game and Fish also plans to post a video of the presentation on its website at www.azgfd.gov sometime the week of Sept. 23.

More information about the proposals and how to submit comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is on the Service's website at www.fws.gov/graywolfrecovery062013.html and http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf/index.cfm.

Catwalk Receives Major Flood Damage

Glenwood, NM; September 19, 2013—Preliminary assessment of flood damage to the popular Catwalk National Recreation Trail has determined that major damage has occurred due to the recent unusually intense rainstorms in the area. The entire Catwalk area will remain closed indefinitely due to the inaccessibility of the area.

N.M. Highway 174 to the Catwalk is impassable due to landslides, damage to the highway and high water levels at the low water crossings. Water levels in Whitewater Canyon remain high and dangerous. Complete assessment of the Catwalk and Whitewater Picnic Area will occur when it is safe to do so and access has been restored. 

“Decisions about reopening the facility will wait until safe vehicle access has been restored and the entire trail has been evaluated as the full extent and severity of the damage to the Catwalk is unknown at this time,” District Ranger Pat Morrison said.

The National Weather Service indicates that very little additional rainfall is needed to trigger flooding. Despite the overall decrease in rain activity, flood advisories or warnings can still be expected.

Flood damage to the Catwalk area at this time includes:

• Portions of the Civilian Conservation Corps rock stairs were damaged including the trail’s metal grillwork.
• A 30 foot section of the cement bridge that crosses Whitewater Creek has been washed away. 
• Several landslides and rockslides have occurred along both the “universal trail” and the “old” trail 
• Debris including trees, branches, boulders, rocks and sediment are present in the Whitewater Picnic Area, parking area, and access road.

“I know this is a huge disappointment to everyone especially since the Catwalk trail had been recently restored and re-opened to the Octagon. My main focus at this time is the protection of life and property,” adds Ranger Morrison. Please contact the Glenwood Ranger District office for further information, 575.539.2481.

Andrea G. Martinez
Public Affairs Officer
GILA NATIONAL FOREST
3005 Camino del Bosque
Silver City, NM 88061
575.388.8211 office
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GilaForestPAO
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gilaforest/sets/

Catron County flood report for Gov. Martinez

Catron County Flood Response
Incident Status   9-17-13   1600 Hours
Issued by: Catron County, NM

Arrival         1600-1630
Introductions  - Blue Front Café.
Review Work at Highway 180 Bridge in Glenwood.
Look at flood damage to private property along Whitewater Creek – Circle Drive.
Drive to Highway 180 bridge at Alma.
Look at flood damage to private property up Mineral Creek.
Return to Blue Front Café.
Overflight of Hwy 159 into Mogollon.
Possible overflight of Willow Creek Subdivision.

Alan Beaty – Incident Commander
Lorenzo  Espinoza       DHSEM Liaison
Bucky Allred  -     County Commissioner District #3
Cathlyn Snider – County Manager
Doug Boykin – Public Information

STATUS

In response to flooding brought on by a week of intense rains, officials are in the process of cleaning up and re-establishing basic services to residents along several drainages in and around the communities of Glenwood (Whitewater Creek), Mogollon ( Silver Creek) and Alma (Mineral Creek). While most of the county received over 8 inches of  rain in the last 7 days, the area around Glenwood was the most effected by the devastating floods, where waters breached levees, flooded homes and businesses and destroyed a portion of NM 159 into the mountain community of Mogollon, leaving 13 residents stranded.

Mineral Creek

Crews are working with heavy equipment to re-establish the main road up Mineral Creek where multiple homes are located. Twenty-two residents are still unable to get out of the upper part of the canyon. Work is progressing to pioneer a new road in areas where Mineral Creek jumped its banks so that food and water can be taken to those residents if they are in need. This work should be done within 48 hours. After that, as resources permit, work will be started to restore the road to the original condition, which may take several weeks. One home was directly affected by the flood waters, multiple homes received minor flood damage, an RV park and a mobile home park were damaged and several others close to the new channel are in immediate threat. Power and phone lines that were damaged have been restored. One Catron County bulldozer is on scene with one more due to arrive this afternoon.

Glenwood

Whitewater Creek crested the US Hwy 180 bridge on Sunday night and flooded several low-lying areas adjacent to the creek. Currently, there is less than 3 feet of freeboard under the bridge and officials are working with NM DOT to try to clean the channel in the event of additional rain fall in upper Whitewater Creek, which was devastated by the 2012 Whitewater Baldy Fire. Currently there is one business and 3 homes that were directly impacted by the flood waters, along with several outbuildings.  The NM Game and Fish Hatchery is threatened and the Game and Fish Department is mobilizing equipment to build up the dike separating Whitewater Creek from the hatchery. 

Mogollon (Silver Creek)

From pictures received by sources inside the community, Mogollon has received the most damage and flood effects associated with the rains. NM Hwy 159 has been totally destroyed from where it enters Deadwood Canyon , southwest of Mogollon, east to where it climbs out of Silver Creek about 3 miles upstream of the town site. Based on best available information, there are still 13 residents still in Mogollon. Power and phones are still working and officials are working with local crews from the Glenwood Ranger Station/Gila National Forest in packing in food and water. Heavy equipment from NMDOT is working east on Hwy 159 to pioneer a 4 wheel drive road down Deadwood Canyon and the south fork of Silver Creek into Mogollon.  Work is slow because there are spots on NM 159 (a single lane, paved highway) that may have been damaged and there are reports of sink holes associated with washed out culverts.   Best available estimate is that the initial ATV/OHV/4 wheel drive road access will be established by late tomorrow if things go according to plan.  There are reports of one person missing from Mogollon. The last time anyone heard from him was when he left Mogollon on Sunday night and headed towards Glenwood. Crews are searching in the area in case he did not make it out. 

There has been a media report that the NM National Guard has been called in to supply Mogollon with food and water. Due to the narrow, steep and extreme terrain around Mogollon, there are not landing zones where a National Guard Helicopter can land.  As a result of this, supplies are being taken in on foot to the citizens of Mogollon. 

Due to the unprecedented damage to NM 159, it may be several months before it is open for public travel.

Resources Assigned

Representatives of NM Dept. of Homeland Security, Catron County, NM State Forestry, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, NM State Police, NM DOT and the US Forest Service have set up an Incident Command Post at the Blue Front Café in Glenwood. A Type 3 Incident Management Team from the City of Santa Fe has been ordered to assist Catron County with recovery and re-construction.  Heavy equipment from Catron County and NM DOT are either on scene or en-route to start clearing roads, bridges, repairing dikes, etc. The Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Glenwood Elementary School.