LONDON, Ohio, Sept. 20, 2005-Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced an electric utility loan of nearly $240 million to Buckeye Power Cooperative, Inc. to finance the installation of environmental control equipment.

"This loan supports the Bush Administration's goal of improving environmental quality," said Johanns. "Over the past 30 years, air pollution from the six major pollutants has decreased by 48 percent, while overall economic activity, population and energy consumption in the U.S. has increased sharply. The equipment financed through this loan will help build on this success by reducing emissions, benefiting the residents of Ohio and the eastern U.S."

Johanns made the announcement prior to hosting the twentieth in a series of Farm Bill Forums in which members of the public are invited to express their views about farm and rural policy, in preparation for the development of the next farm bill in 2007.

The $239,760,000 in funds will be used by Buckeye Power to install a flue gas desulphurization facility, reducing sulfur dioxide emissions at its Cardinal power plant. The installation is required by the Clean Air Interstate Rule, which requires coal-burning power plants to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Additionally, Johanns announced the award of several loans and grants through the USDA Community Facilities program. The Ashtabula County Airport Authority will receive a $1.4 million Community Facilities direct loan to construct three hangers and the Word of Life Outreach Center, Inc. Summit County will receive a $250,000 Community Facilities direct loan to continue construction of a community outreach center. The center will contain food and clothing banks and an adult daycare center, as well as a community room.

Two communities will receive funding for new ambulances. The C.B.& S Joint Fire District will receive $87,000 in loan and grant funds and the Fredericktown Community Joint Emergency Ambulance District will receive $63,000. The Village of Adena will receive a $49,000 grant to renovate a community center and Gallia Guarding Angels, Inc. will receive a $10,000 grant to purchase playground equipment. USDA makes and guarantees loans and grants to develop community facilities and improve the quality of life in rural areas across America.

In addition, NKR, Inc. of Piketon, Ohio has been selected for a $1,625,000 Business and Industry guaranteed loan. NKR, which employs 65 people, purchases logs from other area companies, and indirectly supports loggers and support staff in the Piketon region.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural communities. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested over $54 billion since the beginning of the Bush Administration to provide equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Over one million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.