USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCES $9.1 MILLION

            WASHINGTON, September 10, 2008 – Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr today announced that 148 groups and individuals have been selected to receive $9.1 million in grants to repair or rehabilitate housing owned or occupied by very-low- and low-income rural citizens.  The awards will be distributed in 49 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

            “Helping rural citizens obtain safe and affordable housing is one of USDA Rural Development’s major goals,” Dorr said.  “I am pleased that these funds will be used to help homeowners and apartment owners across the nation make the necessary improvements to their properties.  The grants will help fix problems such as leaking roofs, unsafe plumbing or crumbling foundations.”

            Grants are awarded to intermediaries – such as town or county governments, Indian Tribes, housing authorities or nonprofit organizations – which, in turn, give the money to homeowners or owners of multi-family rental properties or cooperative dwellings.  In Alabama, for example, the Jefferson County Commission has been selected to receive a $100,000 grant to rehabilitate 15 homes.  Habitat for Humanity of Taos (N.M.) has been selected for a $57,769 grant to rehabilitate 10 homes in Taos County.

            Funding of each recipient is contingent upon their meeting the conditions of the grant agreement.  A complete list of the selected recipients is posted on the USDA Rural Development web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/newsroom/2008/09-10-2008-HPGrl.pdf.

            USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development has invested more than $90 billion since 2001 for equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. More than 1.7 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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