Susan McAvoy (202) 720-4623
susan.mcavoy@usda.gov
Steve Thompson (202) 720-2446
sathomps@rdmail.rural.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2000--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today announced that USDA is making $34 million available to help meet rental housing needs in 13 states affected by hurricanes in 1999. The funds will help build new, multi-family housing or repair existing, USDA-financed rental housing damaged by the storms.

"Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd and Irene caused untold misery and damage last year, damaging or destroying some of the East Coast's already-limited supplies of affordable rental housing," Glickman said. "These funds will help address this critical need in some areas still struggling to recover from these terrible storms."

Eligible housing developers in 13 states can compete for the funds, which will be awarded for projects judged to meet the most acute housing needs and represent the best investment of public dollars. These states include: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia.

Individual loan requests for new construction funds are limited to $1.5 million. Applicants must provide documentation showing that a proposed project is needed due to the impact of the hurricanes. Meeting the need for more affordable housing caused by a loss of employment in the area resulting from the hurricanes is a permitted use.

Repair funds are available only for rental housing built under USDA Rural Development's 515 multi-family housing program.

Additional details are available at USDA Rural Development offices around the country and in a Federal Register notice (PDF format) published today. Learn more about USDA's multi-family and other housing programs at: www.rurdev.usda.gov or call your nearest state Rural Development office, (202) 720-4323, then dial "1" and follow the voice prompts.

To learn more about USDA's multi-family and other housing programs, visit the USDA Rural Development website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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