BLOOMSDALE, MO – Betty Carver found herself in the unique position of cutting the ribbon for the second Establishment Creek Bridge. Seventy years ago she had the honor of cutting the ribbon on the old bridge, which was demolished last May to make way for the new one.

Betty Carver cuts the ribbon at the Establishment Creek Bridge on Highway 61 this morning south of Bloomsdale. Carver cut the ribbon when the old bridge opened 70 years ago. It was demolished in May to make way for the new bridge which opened this week.

The ceremony was held on the northeast side of the newly-constructed bridge on Highway 61 near Bloomsdale.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the contract during its regular meeting last February for improvements to replace the bridge over Establishment Creek near Bloomsdale.

The $1,118,236 contract was awarded to Goodwin Bros. Construction, Co., Crystal City. Work began in March and was completed early this month.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Citizens Electric Corporation in Ste. Genevieve will be getting a $26 million USDA loan for construction of new facilities and to complete distribution projects.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Citizens Electric is one of 46 rural utilities and cooperatives in 30 states which have been selected to receive $1.16 billion in loans to build and repair 11,249 miles of distribution and transmission lines and make system improvements that will benefit 109,250 rural customers.

The CEC improvements in Ste. Genevieve, Perry and Cape Girardeau Counties will benefit 26,300 rural residents.

"Our rural communities need reliable, affordable electric service to support business expansion and broaden economic opportunities, and President Obama is delivering on his commitment to invest in America’s infrastructure and create jobs," Vilsack said. "These loans will spur growth in rural America by helping cooperatives and rural utilities deliver improved service to more customers."

The funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Electric Programs which provides loans and loan guarantees to help utilities, cooperatives, states and local governments provide or improve electric service in rural areas. The Electric Program also helps finance energy conservation and renewable energy systems.

Funding of each loan recipient is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the loan agreement.

For a complete recipient list, visit the USDA website.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure.

Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site or by contacting Kevin Hinkebein at (573) 756-6413 Ext. 4.