Welcomed by LBJ National Historical Park Superintendent Russ Whitlock, attendees at the April 20 workshop at the Johnson Settlement Activity Center in Johnson City were provided a sampling of USDA lending services available to rural communities.  According to John Kirchoff, USDA Outreach Specialist,  an end goal of the USDA Rural Development program is to create and retain jobs in rural communities.  Rural development offerings presented by Kirchoff ranged from financing community infrastructure projects  to providing loans for low income new/existing homebuyers to guaranteeing business and industry loans.  Attendee Susan Hamm,  Johnson City Housing Authority Chairperson, hopes to take advantage of the community program to assist with a much needed planned project at the Johnson City Housing Authority.  Blanco County EDC Vice President Mike Barnes, an economic development professional, emphasized that job creation is key to economic development, further stating that the BCEDC board plans to continue providing informative programs to Blanco County citizens.  For additional information on USDA rural development programs, go to www.rurdev.usda.gov/tx/.

For Blanco County Economic Development information, including the newly adopted BCEDC Strategic Plan, go to www.blancocountyedc.com.