Johnson accepts $54 million on behalf of 15th District

January 5, 2006

Rep. Tim Johnson last week accepted $54 million from the USDA Rural Development office issued to the people of the 15th Congressional District.
The money represents the amount of federal funding the district attracted for investment in a variety of programs designed to support infrastructure in rural communities.

"This was an outstanding year for rural development in Illinois and in particular the 15th District," Johnson said. "This funding represents key investments in water and sewer plants, in police departments and home ownership, all pieces of our infrastructure that are vital to the health of our rural communities."

"The 15th Congressional District has a large rural population and Rural Development has been successful in helping residents make positive gains, said Douglas Wilson, state director of USDA Rural Development.

The agency provides financial support for essential public facilities and services, such as housing, healthcare facilities, emergency services, water and sewer systems, electric and telephone service. The agency promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and nonprofit organizations and by offering grants for business development, value-added agriculture, renewable energy and energy efficiency.