Director of Agriculture, Dr. Jon Hagler announced the recipients of the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Building Our American Communities grant program. Twenty-seven Missouri 4-H clubs and 14 chapters of the National FFA Organization received grants for 2011.

Youth organizations throughout Missouri submitted proposals for their projects for consideration for the grants, which range from $100 to $500. The Building Our American Communities program has been supporting youth projects in Missouri since the 1970s.

"The Building Our American Communities program is an outstanding opportunity for young people to be involved in their hometowns and to truly make a difference in those communities," said Director Hagler. "Young people are the future of Missouri's agriculture industry and I am proud to see their initiative and commitment to service featured in each of these projects."

Grants were awarded to 4-H clubs in Gasconade, St. François, Pulaski, Vernon, Barton, Cole, Morgan, Nodaway, Livingston, Audrain and Pike counties and within the City of St. Louis. FFA chapters receiving grants included programs in Eugene, Russellville, Jefferson City, Stover, Farmington, Perryville, Liberal, Lamar, Ozark, Barnard, Tina, Chillicothe, Mexico and Bowling Green.

The grants were awarded to fund specific projects in each of the local areas. Projects selected for funding are expected to benefit rural communities and promote community development. 4-H clubs and FFA chapters awarded 2011 grants must complete their projects no later than Sept. 1, 2011.

Projects may include improvements to existing facilities, grounds or buildings that are used by various groups or organizations in the applicant's community. Previously funded projects have included landscape and beautification projects, safety improvements for local fairgrounds and small renovations on damaged and aged public use structures.

For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture or visit mda.mo.gov.