(September 30, 2011 Las Cruces, NM) Earlier this afternoon, USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner presented two certificates of obligation to the owners of Rio Valley Biofuels during ceremonies at the Renewable Energy and Clean Technology Conference in Las Cruces.

Earlier this week, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that Rio Valley Biofuels was one of a 160 producers in 41 states across the nation that will receive financial support from USDA Rural Development to continue the production and expansion of advanced bio fuels.

During today's presentation, Brunner said, "We are encouraged by Rio Valley Biofuels' production of biodiesel.They are leading the way here in New Mexico on the path towards providing our Nation with a wider range of fuel sources."Ý 

WASHINGTON, October 13, 2011 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced funding for rural electric cooperative utilities to improve distribution systems and smart grid technologies in 27 states, as part of the Obama Administration's continued focus on investments in infrastructure that create rural jobs. The announcement was made on the Secretary's behalf by Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager during a speech to the National Rural Electric Association regional meeting in Denver, where he also stressed the importance of the American Jobs Act to spur job creation throughout the country.

"This investment in the electric grid will help address the growing need for electric service nationwide and spur job creation by building out rural infrastructure,"Ý Vilsack said. "Smart grid technology can help better manage power use, provide rate stability for businesses and create the climate for job growth in rural America."

Over $2.1 billion in loans are provided by USDA's Rural Utilities Service, a Rural Development Agency, to help rural electric utilities build and upgrade rural America's electric infrastructure. These projects will fund over $40 million in smart grid technologies and will build or improve nearly 6,000 miles of line. Funding for distribution cooperatives, which provide power to consumers, will benefit over 38,000 rural businesses and residents.

In New Mexico a loan of $2.4 million to Northern Rio Arriba Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be used to expand and upgrade its current electric delivery system to 415 homes and businesses. The funding will be used to build 26 miles of new distribution line, make improvements to 9 miles of distribution line, and make other improvements to the electric system.

In support of the Secretary's announcement, USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner said, "This investment improves delivery of electricity to New Mexico customers in the Chama area and northern Rio Arriba County and it will provide new opportunities for economic growth and the creation of a better rural future."

Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan agreement. For a complete list of projects funded, please click here.

Today's announcement is part of a series of rural infrastructure investments expected by Secretary Vilsack during the next two weeks. This effort supports the goal of the American Jobs Act, which makes critical infrastructure improvements to put people back to work immediately.

On September 8, President Obama presented the American Jobs Act in an address to Congress. The purpose of the American Jobs Act is simple: put more people back to work and put more money in the pockets of working Americans. The American Jobs Act is specific. It will put people back to work right now, and it will not add to the deficit. Through a combination of direct spending, such as infrastructure investments, and tax relief, such as an extension of the payroll tax cuts, it will lead to new American jobs.

Since taking office, President Obama's Administration has taken significant steps to improve the lives of rural Americans and has provided broad support for rural communities. The Obama Administration has set goals of modernizing infrastructure by providing broadband access to 10 million Americans, expanding educational opportunities for students in rural areas, and providing affordable health care. In the long term, these unparalleled rural investments will help ensure that America's rural communities are repopulating, self-sustaining and thriving economically.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $155 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)