U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development today announced a $100,000 grant for expanding operations of the Ag and Expo Center at Southern Pines Regional Park. Funding comes from the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program, which promotes the development of small and emerging businesses in rural areas.
The Ag and Expo Center is the site of youth animal shows and judging, lawn mower mini-pullers, several rodeos, barrel racing, roping, pleasure riding competitions, cattle shows and Georgia High School rodeos and bull ridings. Grant funds will be used toward construction of a 10,000 square foot metal structure and dirt floor expansion that will add 50 proper housing areas for animals and adequate stalls. It will extend the length and amount of events the Center can provide each year.
The project will increase productivity of the center and create three jobs (a full time Ag and Expo Center Director and two full time support staff). Neighboring businesses, restaurants and hotels are also anticipating increased customer traffic as activity expands at the Ag and Expo Center. Construction is scheduled to be completed by September 2016. RBDG funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.