FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Tim Jones (315) 477-6436

<timothy.jones@ny.usda.gov>

**USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND REP. REYNOLDS ANNOUNCE MORE THAN \$3
MILLION FOR ALBION, GAINES AND BERGEN PROJECTS**

GAINES, N.Y., May 23, 2008 -- Rep. Thomas Reynolds (NY-26) and U.S.
Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Patrick H.
Brennan announced today that more than \$3.1 million in federal funding
has been awarded for local water infrastructure projects.

The total funding commitment for the three projects is \$3,168,025. The
recipients are:

-   Town of Albion, \$445,900. The funding consists of a \$309,900 grant
    and a \$136,000 loan. The funds will be used to complete the Town's
    Water District #7 A, B, C and D, which will replace private wells in
    the Tut Hill, Densmore and Transit Road areas.

-   Village of Bergen, \$2,322,000 loan. The funds will be used to
    improve the Village's wastewater treatment facility. The facility,
    which also serves the Town of Bergen, needs to be upgraded to meet
    current wastewater standards.

-   Town of Gaines, \$400,125. The funding includes a \$250,125 grant
    and a \$150,000 loan. The funds will be used to construct the Town's
    Water District #8, which will replace private wells in the West
    Transit Church Road, Densmore Road and Zig Zag Road area.

The loans for all three projects are for 38 years and have a 4.375
percent interest rate.

"Residents should not have to rely on outdated wells and treatment
facilities for their basic water and wastewater needs," said Congressman
Thomas M. Reynolds (NY-26). "These funds will upgrade the infrastructure
in Albion, Gaines and Bergen, providing residents with a healthier water
supply and, in Bergen\'s case, improved wastewater service. The upgrades
will directly improve the residents' quality of life."

"Helping rural communities build water and maintain water infrastructure
is one of our core missions at USDA Rural Development," said Patrick H.
Brennan, State Director for USDA Rural Development in New York. "These
new projects will improve water quality, alleviate environmental
concerns and improve the quality of life for residents in Albion, Gaines
and Bergen."

"The residents of these areas have been in desperate need of quality
drinking water for many years now, and we are all very grateful that
they will have it soon," said Judy Koehler, Albion Town Supervisor.
"USDA Rural Development enables economically-challenged areas like ours
to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of our residents, the
primary responsibility of local government. The Town of Albion looks
forward to providing municipal water to all our residents in the near
future."

"Bergen is very pleased with the support from Congressman Reynolds and
USDA Rural Development with our project," said Village of Bergen Mayor
Wayne Bailey.

"This funding will enable the Town of Gaines to provide clean, safe
water for residents who need it," said Gaines Town Supervisor Richard
DeCarlo. "I thank USDA Rural Development and Congressman Tom Reynolds
for their support of this vital project."

"Safe and reliable water is essential to residents and businesses alike
providing for a more healthy economic climate for all," added
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (Assembly District 139)

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and
improve the quality of life for rural residents. In fiscal year 2007,
USDA Rural Development invested more than \$262 million in New York,
raising its total investment in the state to more than \$1.5 billion
since 2001. Further information on rural programs is available by
contacting the State Office at (315) 477-6400 or by visiting USDA\'s web
site at <http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny>.

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