AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES $9.8 MILLION IN GRANTS TO PRESERVE RURAL HOUSING

Michigan receives $252,430 in nine counties 

            WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2009 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is providing $9.8 million in grants to repair rural housing and make energy efficiency improvements in 48 states and Puerto Rico. The funds are being awarded through the USDA Rural Development Housing Preservation Grant program. 

             “The Obama Administration believes that every citizen deserves access to safe, sanitary and affordable housing,” Vilsack said. “These grants will help rural residents and rental property owners repair leaking roofs, plumbing or crumbling foundations, as well as add insulation, caulking and energy-saving windows and doors.” 

            Housing preservation grants ensure that rural single and multi-family housing stocks are adequate, meet current safety standards and are accessible by individuals with disabilities. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations, local governments and Native American tribes, who in turn provide loans, grants or loan and grant combinations to eligible applicants. 

            The following is a list of Michigan recipients that will receive Housing Preservation Grants. Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant agreement. 

NMHSA - Grand Traverse County – $25,000

NMHSA - Wexford County – $25,000

NMHSA - Emmett County – $25,000

NMHSA - Kalkaska County – $25,000

NMHSA - Missaukee County – $25,000

NMHSA - Benzie County – $25,000

Ogemaw County Board of Commissioners – $35,000

Cheboygan Board of Commissioners – $50,000

Presque Isle County – $17,430 

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting www.rurdev.usda.gov.  

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