USDA Rural Development Area Director, Johnny Smith presented a ceremonial check to the Lometa ISD for a $40,000 Community Facility Grant to assist in the purchase of a new 77 passenger school bus.

"USDA Rural Development is committed to providing assistance to rural towns and communities to help them provide valuable services to their residents," said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director. "This is a great example of how USDA Rural Development can provide funding for a community facility that will in turn use the assistance to enhance the lives of its rural citizens."

The new 77 passenger bus will replace a current, unreliable bus used by the Lometa ISD. The new bus will become an integral part of the Texas 21

To date for 2010, a total of $959,499 in Community Facility Grants has been obligated throughout Texas. Funds are used to enhance the quality of life for residents of rural areas by providing the means for construction, expansion, or enhancement of community facilities, telecommunication or distance education programs and water and waste disposal systems. These programs are important because they supply a number of growth opportunities to communities with improved utility facilities, increased job availability and advanced technology and educational resources.

USDA Rural Development strives to see that rural citizens can participate fully in the global economy by providing technical assistance, funding and other programs that help rural Americans build strong economies to improve their quality of life. For further information regarding USDA Rural Development Programs, contact the Hillsboro Area Office at (254) 582-7328, Extension 4, or visit our website at http://rurdev.usda.gov/tx/.

st Century Community Learning Center as it will be used to transport students and families to and from the community center for activities. The bus will ensure student safety and provide safe transportation across railroad tracks and parts of major highways leading to the community center. Transportation will be available everyday the community center is open, including after school hours, Saturdays and during the month of June.