Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 28, 1994                   TAG: 9412280062
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV8   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

AROUND NEW RIVER

Southwest Development Financing Inc. is accepting loan applications from businesses and organizations that need money to make tourism-related ideas work.

The non-profit organization, which is funded by $1 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Farmers Home Administration, provides loans at below-market interest rates.

Depending on the type of project, the number of jobs created, and other factors, businesses, local government and other groups could be eligible for loans of $50,000 or $90,000, said Jerry Brown, the corporation's director. So far, the corporation has received only two loan applications, but is expecting more, especially by spring when tourism season begins.

Natural resources

BLACKSBURG - In January, Blacksburg will accept new applications to include property in its agricultural and forestal district. The district is designed to protect and enhance farmland that contains valued natural and ecological resources.

Eligible properties include land being farmed or where forestry is the primary use. Other restrictions apply, based on location.

Successful applicants for inclusion in the district who have land-use value taxation from Montgomery County will qualify for land-use value taxation from the town. Call Duane Hyde, 961-1114.