Sen. Patrick Leahy announced on November 9 that the Northeast Kingdom has been designated as a "Rural Economic Action Partnership" (REAP) Zone by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This designation will make the Northeast Kingdom eligible to receive USDA Rural Development funds for housing, community development, job creation, health care, and water, sewer, and telecommunications infrastructure.

Leahy made the announcement by telephone to members of the Northeast Kingdom Enterprise Collaborative, a group of residents, service providers, business people and government officials in Caledonia, Orleans and Essex Counties. The group, which came together in 1996 to improve the regional economy through collaboration, has developed a comprehensive strategic plan and work plan in order to receive the designation through the USDA Office of Rural Development. Leahy identified the USDA rural development program in 1999 and encouraged the Collaborative to apply for designation. Leahy urged USDA Under Secretary Jill Long Thompson to support the Collaborative's efforts.

"This is a real victory for the Northeast Kingdom. We have worked long and hard to make this dream a reality. Credit and praise go to the members of the Northeast Kingdom Enterprise Collaborative for their commitment and their vision. The entire region will benefit from this team effort," Leahy said.

Since 1999, Leahy has secured a total of $150,000 from the USDA to assist the Collaborative, in cooperation with the Snelling Center for Government, to develop the REAP plan and support the Collaborative's other efforts.

Only four other regions in the country have received REAP designation. The Collaborative developed a detailed economic development plan with public input which they submitted in May to qualify for this program. It was the first time a comprehensive economic development strategy has been developed specifically for the Northeast Kingdom.