USDA Rural Development's Community Facility Program Used to Fund Construction

(October 28, 2014 Albuquerque, NM) Earlier today, USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner was joined by Doctor Ann Bartuska Deputy Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economist (REE) at USDA to present a certificate of obligation to the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Native American college was successful in its application of financial assistance to build a new multipurpose fitness and performing arts center.

The obligation of the $145,302 was made through USDA Rural Development's Tribal College Initiative Community Facility Grant program to complete the funds to build the project. The grant funds provide financial support to augment the funds needed to build infrastructure projects at Tribal Colleges.

At the ceremony Brunner said, "USDA Rural Development is once again proud to be a partner in the construction of this new facility. I know this project will ultimately provide a better educational environment which will expand the student's performing arts instruction at IAIA."

Dr. Bartuska is in New Mexico and Arizona to visit Native schools to discuss with educators the instruction of future Native agricultural leaders.

During the presentation ceremony Dr. Bartuska stated, "As the nation's only four-year degree fine arts institution devoted to contemporary Native American and Alaska Native arts, IAIA is a true treasure. It not only helps to preserve Native American art traditions, but also to teach them and provide a place for their expression in contemporary forms. The new fitness and performing arts center will certainly will enhance its ability to carry out that mission, and will help to improve the quality of life in this part of rural America."

In the last eight years, USDA Rural Development has provided over $1.6 million to IAIA to build other construction projects at the school including the new science and technology classrooms and the new welcome center.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at any local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.