USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner
USDA News:
ALBUQUERQUE – USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner presented a certificate of obligation Friday to fund the expansion of recycling efforts in rural New Mexico to the New Mexico Recycling Coalition.
During the ceremony held at the annual New Mexico Recycling Coalition’s state conference “This funding will accomplish two things, one support recycling efforts around the state and second create jobs.” Brunner said. “Recycling various items is good for our environment but it is also an economic driver.”
USDA Rural Development provided a $30,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant which will be used to develop small-scale recycling business including the collection of recyclables to the creation of businesses that will be able to create products that would end up in a land fill. The funding will also pay for technical assistance to business owners that are in the process of launching their recycling businesses. Examples of small-scale business models include taking mattresses and turning them into dog beds, providing recycling collection services to businesses and households, or taking glass and creating recycled-content countertops, tile, or art pieces.
Targeted communities include; Alamogordo, Angel Fire, Catron County, Deming, Gallup, Grants, Las Vegas, Raton, Roswell, Ruidoso, Silver City, Taos, Truth or Consequences and Tucumcari. These communities were selected based on the success of current recycling programs, and the potential for the area to grow and expand recycling businesses.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.
