Today Congressman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) and Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (WV-02) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has selected the Highland Telephone Cooperative, in Monterey, Virginia to receive a $480,000 loan to spur economic development through the Alleghany Highlands Agricultural Center.

The loan to the Highland Telephone Cooperative will be used to support the Alleghany Highlands Agricultural Center, which will serve a vital need in the region for a processing facility for livestock in Bath and Highland Counties in Virginia and Pendleton and Pocahontas Counties in West Virginia.  It will provide educational and other economic development opportunities for area agricultural producers and business. The agricultural center will initially have four full-time workers to assist farmers in their operations.

“I am extremely pleased that USDA has selected the Highland Telephone Cooperative and in turn the Alleghany Highlands Agricultural Center to receive this important funding,” said Rep.  Bob Goodlatte.  “In a region that continues to be known for its heavy reliance on an agri-business economy, the agricultural center stands to be an important asset in helping preserve jobs and encourage new enterprises.”

“The creation of the Alleghany Highlands Agricultural Center will provide a valuable service to West Virginia farmers – particularly for livestock growers in Pendleton County,” said Rep. Shelley Moore Capito.  “The improved access to processing, marketing and educational resources through the agricultural center will not only support local business, but will also boost the economic viability of farming throughout the Alleghany Highlands.”

David Blanchard, chair Highland Telephone Cooperative board, says:  “We are very happy to be the recipient of this $480,000 loan that will be used to help build the Alleghany Highlands Agricultural Center.  For years our community has been talking about what can be done to help local farmers and agriculture and now the phone coop is so pleased to participate in this way to help make a difference.”

Lloyd Bird, chair Alleghany Highlands Agricultural Center :  “Farmers, consumers, Virginia and West Virginia Cooperative Extension, The Highland Center, livestock producer associations, community organizations, and businesses have worked together for over seven years to realize the establishment of a USDA-inspected slaughter and processing facility in the area.  All are committed to the completion of the Alleghany Highlands Agricultural Center and look forward to the availability of locally produced meat and increased profits for farmers.”

Scott Smith, Agricultural Project Coordinator for The Highland Center, “We want to thank the many partners that are helping make the Ag Center a reality.  We can’t thank the telephone coop enough for applying for and receiving this loan which will truly benefit agricultural interests and the region as a whole.  We look forward to working with farmers, local businesses and community organizations to help establish a market for meat raised in our area.”

USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides zero-interest loans and grants to local utilities that re-lend money to local businesses for projects that will create and retain jobs in rural areas. Funding of each recipient is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the loan or grant agreement.