USDA looks for ways to grow the economy and create jobs. They brought good news and a significant financial contribution to the area on Tuesday.

USDA Rural Development Missouri State Director Janie Dunning was in St. Joseph to present a certificate of funding to the Buchanan County Agri-Business Expo Center for a Rural Business Enterprise Grant and Rural Business Opportunity Grant worth a total of $80,000.

The dollars will be used for a feasibility and marketing study, a business plan and engineering fees on the project.