NEWS RELEASE Contact: Kathy Beisner (302) 697-4333

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2002 – Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced the availability of $203 million in funding to build and improve rural housing facilities through USDA’s Rural Development housing programs.

"These funds will help improve housing in rural communities throughout America," said Veneman. "This administration continues to be firmly committed to helping rural families by strengthening rural development programs."

The funding includes approximately $49 million in direct loans and $99.8 million in loan guarantees to build rural multi-family housing units, and $46.4 million in competitive loan and grants for the construction of off-farm rental housing units for farm workers. Also available are $8 million in competitive grants to non-profit organizations and public bodies to assist more than 2,000 very low- and low-income rural homeowners repair and rehabilitate their homes or rental housing.

Delaware/Maryland State Director, Marlene Elliott said, "So far this year, nearly 250 families living in Delaware and Maryland have received assistance to buy, build or repair their homes. Rural Development’s support of home ownership has been greatly enhanced through our valued partnerships with private lenders and non-profit organizations that provide resources from financing to educating new home owners on the responsibilities of home ownership."

Further information regarding these programs and the application process can be obtained by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/, http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ or by contacting the USDA Rural Development state office serving Delaware and Maryland at (302) 697-4300.

USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs and administers program assistance through three agencies: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities Service. Further information on USDA Rural Development can be obtained by contacting any USDA Service Center or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/.