Your browser isn't running scripts. There are scripts on this page that perform mouse-over effects to emphasize the selection of text graphics from the navigation bar. The mouse-overs turn the graphics from navy blue to bright green. However, the page also contains text descriptions of these menu items.
Skip navigation barsU S D A and Rural Development Logos            Committed to the future of rural communities    

New Jersey

About us: link to information about our programs and servicesLink to business and cooperative program informationLink to housing and community facilities program informationLink to utility program information
Link to information about community development and empowermentLink to office locationsLink to news and informationLink to publicationsLink to regulations

  
Versión en Español


About Us

Rural Development is the name of the U.S. Department of Agriculture mission area responsible for economic and community development in the small towns and rural areas across America.

Rural Development programs are administered through three service agencies, The Rural Housing Service (RHS), The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) in New Jersey.

The following is a brief overview of these programs.

Rural Housing Service

RHS provides direct loans and loan guarantees for single family homeownership and multi-family housing, self-help housing loans, loans and grants for farm labor housing, home improvement and repair loans and grants to eligible very low-income homeowners, and housing preservation grants to eligible entities. Also, community facilities grants, direct loans and loan guarantees may be used to construct or improve facilities providing essential services.

Rural Utilities Service

RUS provides loans and grants to develop and/or improve water and wastewater systems, solid waste disposal systems, and storm drainage systems. RUS also provides assistance for the development of telecommunications and distance learning systems.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

RBS provides direct loans and loan guarantees to rural business and industry. RBS also provides grants to facilitate development of small businesses. Loans are available to finance business and rural community projects through a revolving loan fund. RBS also provides Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grants (VADG). This program provides 50% matching grants for agricultural producers and groups of producers to determine the feasibility of adding value to farm products to increase profits. VADG also provides 50% matching grants for working capital to operate a value-added business venture or an alliance that will allow producers to better compete in domestic and international markets.

Our Planning and Community Development staff provides outreach services and technical assistance to businesses and cooperatives to maximize the benefits of Rural Development programs and seek to leverage other resources.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382(TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

Related Sites:  Customer / Program Mediation
                               USDA No Fear Act Site

         Accessibility Statement  |  Privacy Statement



Last updated:  August 4, 2005