Press Release No. 0346.05
 

Contact:
Ed Loyd (202) 720-4623
Wayne Maloney (202) 690-0498

JOHANNS ANNOUNCES OVER $28 MILLION IN LOAN GUARANTEES
TO SPARK BUSINESS GROWTH IN NINE STATES

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2005- Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced more than $28
million in loan guarantees to create and expand business opportunities in nine states. The guarantees
are provided through the USDA Rural Development Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program.

"From Alaska to New York, the investments we're announcing today will support the creation of new
jobs, expansion of businesses and in several cases help retain jobs in rural areas," said Johanns.
"Providing funds to enable rural business success is an important component of the Bush
Administration's commitment to helping rural America."

For example, in Wyoming, Rural Development funds will be used to purchase equipment to manufacture
building materials from straw obtained from local farmers. The finished product will be an alternative to
other types of construction materials and 45 new jobs will be created. In the community of Norwalk,
Ohio, funds will be used to construct a new 8-screen movie theatre, featuring stadium-like seating.

Businesses selected for loan guarantees are located in: Alaska, Iowa, New York, North Carolina, Ohio,
Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming. A complete list is available at USDA's web site:
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life
in rural communities. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested over $54 billion since
the beginning of the Bush Administration to provide equity and technical assistance to finance and
foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology
infrastructure. Over 1 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further
information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting
USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.