05/03/06 Bank joins E-Work Partnership

Washington Ag May 3, 2006 The Bank of America is the latest member of a partnership led by Washington State University working to create information-based jobs in rural Washington. The bank joins WSU`s Center to Bridge the Digital Divide, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, among others, in providing financial support to a two-year project. Specifically, the Bank of America is supporting work in Dayton, Ritzville, Omak, Forks and Republic to create at least 100 living-wage jobs in the region. Past successes include creation of 70-full-time jobs in Colville in partnership with Washington Dental Service. That success led a second employer to locate in Colville as well, adding another 72 jobs. May 11th is the deadline for proposals to acquire conservation easements on farms and ranches under USDA's Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service recently announced the availability about 1.2 million dollars for the program in Washington State. NRCS Chief Bruce Knight says that money will in effect, be doubled. Knight: "What's fantastic about the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program is that it works with third parties that put up half the money for protection of those easements on those properties." Easements that limit the conversion of farm and ranch lands to non-agricultural uses. I'm Bob Hoff.