WASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Representative Ron Lewis (KY-02) announced today that the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD) in Elizabethtown will receive a $195,725 federal grant through a rural cooperative development program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.

        “I congratulate the Kentucky Center for Agricultural and Rural Development for receiving this award,” said Lewis. “The USDA recognizes the great job KCARD is doing to improve and promote farmer cooperatives in Hardin County and throughout the state. These funds will allow this important organization to expand their efforts to improve economic conditions in rural communities."

         KCARD is a non-profit corporation established to foster business success and growth by delivering technical assistance and educational opportunities for agricultural and rural businesses wishing to broaden their economic opportunities.

         KCARD facilitates economic opportunities through new business development and efforts to expand and stabilize existing rural businesses. KCARD also promotes rural business needs to decision-makers across Kentucky.

          Rep. Lewis is a strong advocate for farmers and rural communities. He recently introduced two bills to encourage business investment and home ownership in rural America. The Rural Communities Investment Act would make the interest income on farm real estate and certain rural housing loans exempt from federal taxation to facilitate lower-cost financing for qualified individuals. The New Markets Tax Credit Reauthorization Act of 2005 extends a federal program that provides capital for business and economic development ventures in low income and rural communities.

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