Statement issued Thursday by the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development:

USDA Rural Development Grant Connects Communities

Thanks to the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development, the town of Geneva and the city of Berne are now connected via the alternative transportation known as walking. A $75,000 USDA Community Facility Grant was recently awarded to South Adams Trails, Inc. The funds will be used to create a direct path linking the communities.

Currently, a rudimentary path abused by All-Terrain Vehicles, exists along an abandoned railroad bed. It is not suitable for hiking and family use. Rural Development funds will be used to assist with non-construction costs in converting the bed in southern Adams County into a multi-use path running from Geneva to Berne. This path will not only support economic development and tourism in the area, it will also provide a walking and biking path which will promote wellness.

USDA Rural Development State Director Phil Lehmkuhler said, "These grants are in keeping with the mission of USDA Rural Development which is to provide equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure."

This latest grant is one of several recently awarded in Indiana by USDA Rural Development. "USDA Rural Development is committed to improving the quality of life in rural Indiana. When rural Indiana makes progress, all of Indiana benefits," said Lehmkuhler.

Single family home loans, rural rental housing, water and waste water facility funding, business and industry guaranteed loans, and community facility loans and grants are financial resources available from USDA Rural Development. To find out more, contact the USDA Rural Development, Columbia City Area Office, 1919 East Business 30, Columbia City, IN 46725, (260) 244-6266, Ext. 4. Further information on rural programs is also available at USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.