Library gets $14K share in $849K USDA grant

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library has been awarded a $14,000 grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist the CNMI’s sole public library in its outreach efforts and collection development.

The grant is part of the $849,005 competitive grant funds that the USDA has released to spark Rural Economic Development in Western Pacific. The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library shares the award with 13 other recipients in U.S.-affiliated territories.

Lorraine P. Shinn, Hawaii State Director for USDA Rural Development, said the grant funds are intended for rural economic and community development for Fiscal Year 2005. The grant awards totaling $849,005 will be leveraged with approximately $528,838 in applicant contributions for a total of $1,377,843 in essential community facility projects in these areas.

The Federated States of Micronesia received three grants for a total of $115,625; the Republic of the Marshall Islands received three grants for a total of $205,084; the Republic of Palau received seven grants for a total of $514,296; and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands received one grant for $14,000.

“These grants have been awarded primarily for critical projects in the [Western Pacific] which support President Bush’s initiative to reinforce first responder type of projects. The grants will be used to assist in the purchase of emergency response vehicles, and equipment for the improvement of public safety facilities,” said Shin. “These community development projects will help improve the quality of life in rural communities in the Western Pacific while contributing to the long-term commitment of the Bush administration in preparing our nation to respond to emergencies of any kind.”

The grants were made available through the Community Facilities Program of USDA Rural Development Rural Housing Service. Rural Development offers assistance to develop essential community facilities and services for public use in rural communities with populations of less than 20,000.

Grant funds are available to eligible public entities, nonprofit corporations and tribal governments. The funds provide for community service facilities including fire and rescue buildings/equipment, streets, utilities, community buildings, libraries, hospitals, clinics and day-care centers. Funding of individual recipients will be contingent upon meeting the conditions of the grant agreement.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure.

Additional information about rural programs is available at any local office of USDA Rural Development or on USDA Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov, or the Hawaii State Office Homepage at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/hi/. (PR)