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

<timothy.jones@ny.usda.gov>

**USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS \$391,000 GRANT TO SCHODACK**

SCHODACK, N.Y., June 9, 2008 -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural
Development State Director Patrick H. Brennan officially presented a
\$391,000 grant today to the Town of Schodack.

The grant will be used to complete the construction of the Schodack
Landing Area Sewer District #8. The funding raises Rural Development's
total investment in the project to nearly \$1 million. In 2007, the
agency provided a \$172,000 loan and a \$414,875 grant for the project.

The project also includes significant state funding. The New York Clean
Water State Revolving Fund (SRF), administered by the Environmental
Facilities Corporation and the Department of Environmental Conservation,
provided \$786,000 in interest-free financing, which is estimated to
save the town approximately \$585,000 in interest costs over the long
term. In addition, the Governor's Office of Community Renewal (formerly
Small Cities) provided \$400,000.

"The people of Schodack deserve this important investment," said Rep.
Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-20). "As a member of the House Agriculture
Committee, I will continue to advocate and help secure funds for clean
water and infrastructure."

"Helping rural communities improve their wastewater infrastructure is
one of our core missions at USDA Rural Development," said State Director
Brennan. "This grant will help Schodack complete this vital project,
which will alleviate environmental concerns and improve service for
residents."

"Residents of Schodack Landing have worked tirelessly for 9 years to
correct the serious health threat posed by failed septic systems and to
thwart the discharge of waste to waters of the Hudson River," said
Schodack Town Supervisor Beth Knauf Secor. "The Town of Schodack
appreciates the advocacy of Congresswoman Gillibrand on our behalf and
the commitment of USDA Rural Development and Small Cities to this
project. We look forward to completion of construction this fall."

"This funding will help complete the necessary sewer upgrades which are
so critical to maintaining the health and safety of residents in
Schodack Landing," said State Sen. Joseph L. Bruno (Senate District 43)

"I am delighted that the USDA and New York State have partnered together
to fund the completion of this project, which the residents of Schodack
Landing have been working on for many years," said Assemblyman Tim
Gordon (Assembly District 108). "This project will not only benefit the
residents of Schodack, but will also provide an ecological benefit to
the Hudson River as a part of our ongoing efforts to protect our
majestic Hudson."

"Providing adequate funding for New York's urgent wastewater
infrastructure improvements is a significant challenge and one of
Governor Paterson\'s top environmental priorities," said New York State
EFC President Matthew Millea. "EFC is thrilled to partner with USDA
Rural Development in helping to bring this important environmental
project to fruition."

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>.

\#