The primary objective of the program is to improve the economic conditions of rural areas.
The USDA Rural Development will administer grant awards made under the RBEG program and 7 U.S.C. 1932(c) (2) for fiscal years 2009 and 2010.
The funding opportunity is being announced prior to the actual availability of funding to allow applicants sufficient time to obtain leveraging funds and to begin preparing their applications.
Eligibility for the RBEG funds are public bodies and private nonprofit organizations, such as states, counties, and cities.
Rural area for this program is defined as a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population of 50,000 inhabitants or less, other than an urbanized area immediately adjacent to a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population in excess of 50,000 inhabitants.
Applications will only be accepted from eligible entities.
The program is administered on behalf of Rural Business-Cooperative Service and assistance provided to rural areas under this program may include on-site technical assistance to local and regional governments, public transit agencies, and related non-profit and for-profit organizations in rural areas; the development of training materials; and the provision of necessary training assistance to local officials and agencies in rural areas.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural communities. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA’s Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
Weekend reunion and new ecclesial leadership
(WME) — The CNMI chapter of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter is pleased to graduate 24 new couples from the Spring Weekend, which took place on March 27-29.
The presenting team consisted of: Jess & Anicia Sonoda, Father Isaac Ayuyu, Mike & Jeanne Emry and Julian & Marcia Calvo with Bishop Tomas A. Camacho welcoming the new couples at the start of the Encounter.
In addition, the M.E. Community selected its new Ecclesial Leadership Team through a discernment process, facilitated by the Section 12 leaders, Mike & Jeanne Emry from California.
The new leaders are Vince & Hilma Castro and Father Isaac Ayuyu.
The Community is grateful for Father Ike and Charles & Cathy Cepeda for the past two years of leadership service.
Invitation to a reunion
Please join the M.E. Community at the Weekend Reunion on Thursday, April 2.
There will be a 6 p.m. Mass, followed by the reunion in the Seaside Hall of the Saipan Grand Hotel.
For newly encountered couples, this is your final presentation of the weekend.
For encountered couples, come meet the new couples.
Refreshments are most welcome — bring any to share.
For more information, call Jeff & Sonia Camacho at 483-7330/4
NMC 2009 graduation candidates meeting
(NMC) — Spring 2009 graduation candidates of Northern Marianas College are invited to attend the graduation committee meeting scheduled for April 4 at the Student Support Services office located in Building J on the NMC campus at 2 p.m.
The meeting will feature updates on graduation, as well as a discussion on the commencement theme, choices for the keynote speaker, plans for the commencement banquet and other aspects of the graduation.
For more information, contact Jack Kiyoshi, Jr. at 234-5498 ext. 1021, or [email protected].
All students preparing to graduate in May 2009 are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting.
