July 11, 2011

Rockefeller, Manchin Announce $193,750 in Rural Business Development Grants for West Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (both D-W.Va.) today announced local farmers are finding new markets for their products because of rural business development grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The USDA awarded $98,750 to the Center for Economic Options. Those funds are to be used in assisting local-foods businesses in Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Gilmer, and Webster counties. Additionally, the city of Morgantown is receiving $95,000 to build upon an existing farmer’s market downtown. The funds are to be used for create a permanent pavilion for the market.

“Encouraging the push toward local foods in local markets helps small business growth throughout West Virginia,” said Rockefeller. “By promoting access to local goods right here in West Virginia, we can keep more of our food dollars in our own communities and have access to fresh and healthy foods—that’s a win-win for everyone.”

“Local farmers employ local people, and we should be doing everything we can to help them create jobs,” Senator Manchin said. “Small businesses are the engine of our economy, and small businesses all across our state will benefit from investments in local foods.”

“By supporting local farmers, we keep money in our communities and our state,” Rockefeller said.”  I will continue working to make sure small business owners have the resources and support they need to Make it in America.”

“Creating the infrastructure to better provide healthy local food and employ local people is a commonsense investment in our future,” Senator Manchin said.

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