USDA Rural Development provides $17,000 to assist with downtown Farmer’s Market

Terry Luetkemeyer, Area Director , USDA Rural Development.

Terry Luetkemeyer, Area Director with USDA Rural Development in Farmington, Mo., hosted a presentation ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011 at Rolla City Hall. The City of Rolla received a $17,000 grant request to fund the project. The Downtown Farmer’s Market project was funded through the Rural Business Enterprise Grant program. The funds will be used to purchase a shade structure so that the vendors will have shelter while they are at the farmer’s market selling their produce to the customers of the local community.

“Our local producers put their hearts into the food products they bring to market. Large and small, it is incredibly important to our local economy to emphasize our agricultural enterprises. We are so proud of the quality and variety of products grown in Missouri, and the Downtown Farmers Market will be able to showcase all that hard work on the part of our Missouri farmers and ranchers,” said U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson.

Anita J. Dunning, the Missouri State Director of USDA Rural Development, said “Funding important projects like this improvement to the Farmer’s Market in Rolla mirrors President Obama’s initiatives for rural America and Rural Development’s commitment to the future of rural communities. Appreciation is also extended to our Federal elected officials for supporting USDA Rural Development. They have been strong proponents for the necessary funding for essential services for rural Missourians.”

Rolla Mayor Bill Jenks, III said “The City of Rolla greatly appreciates the $17,000 grant award received by the USDA Rural Development for the enhancement of the Rolla Downtown Farmer’s market. The new shade structure that will be purchased will also be used to support such events as Route 66 Summerfest, which support small and emerging businesses in the downtown area.”

Anyone interested in obtaining information regarding assistance available through USDA Rural Development may visit the homepage at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/mo or can contact Jack O. Kearbey, Area Specialist, at the Rolla Sub-Area Office of USDA Rural Development at 1050 Highway 72 East, Rolla, MO or by calling 573-364-2088, Ext. 4.