GLOSTER &045;&045; A $1.2 million USDA Rural Development loan for construction of a Head Start facility in Gloster has been approved, federal and local officials said Tuesday.

The funds were provided to the Natchez-based AJFC Community Action Agency, a non-profit organization that operates Head Start programs in several towns in southwest Mississippi.

AJFC President and CEO Lamar Braxton said Head Start programs have long been needed in Amite County. &uot;We’re really excited about this. We’ve been transporting children from Amite County to our center in Centreville for the past five or six years. I know the parents will be glad to hear this news,&uot; Braxton said.

AJFC hired an architect and took bids on the construction project last fall. Braxton said Meadville contractor Owen Holland & Sons submitted the low bid.

&uot;The USDA still has to do a final review, but we should be able to start work on this pretty soon,&uot; Braxton said. The center will include six classrooms and accomodate 120 children, from infants and toddlers up to 5 year olds, he said.

Gloster Mayor Bill Adams said a Head Start center in Gloster has been planned for many years. &uot;It’s been in the works since 1998. That’s how long we’ve been working on this. Maybe now we can get it completed,&uot; Adams said.

Adams said the Gloster Chamber of Commerce donated property at East Railroad Avenue and Tate Street for the center. The loan was financed for 40 years at 4.5 percent interest, according to information released by USDA officials Tuesday.

USDA Rural Development State Director Nick Walters said the project underscores his department’s commitment to improving all aspects of life for rural Americans. &uot;We realize that what’s good for Mississippi is not always directly related to agriculture. Access to Headstart and child care is a real boost for any community,&uot; Walters said.

Braxton said AJFC also is awaiting word from USDA officials on funding for a proposed Head Start center in Liberty.