Managing editor
It’s not official yet but all indications are Brendon Kraus, owner of Spur Ridge Veterinary Hospital, received a $354,400 loan for construction and equipment of a new facility in Marion.
The low-interest loan will be provided the Rural Economic Loan Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and awarded to Butler Rural Electric Cooperative in El Dorado. RECA then will serve as a pass-through agent, lending the funds to Kraus.
A press release from Sen. Pat Roberts’ office announced the loan but neither RECA or Kraus were notified, neither had officially been notified.
Travis Griffin at Butler RECA said Kraus applied with the Butler County entity because there would have been a conflict of interest with Flint Hills RECA. His father, Don Kraus, is a member of the board.
Loan applications are reviewed by RECAs and sent to USDA for consideration. Additional money is available this year through the federal stimulus package.
The loans are to enhance the rural economy. Electrical service does not influence the program.
Construction has begun for Kraus’ veterinary hospital at Batt Industrial Park, Marion. Kraus said he wasn’t sure when it would be completed but hoped it would be finished in August.
For more information about the loan and grant program, businesses should call Kansas Electric Power Cooperative Inc. at (785) 271-4846 or e-mail lmedley@kecpco.org.