News Release

Contact: Bill Allen, (907) 761-7701
ballen@ak.usda.gov
Dave Hill, (202) 690-0513
david.hill@rdmail.rural.usda.gov

USDA PROVIDES $.9 MILLION IN ALASKA HOUSING ASSISTANCE

     WASHINGTON, August 21, 2001 - USDA Rural Development announced today the selection of two grant proposals to receive $918,015 to assist Alaska communities with the construction of housing for agriculture, and seafood processor workers.

     "It is because of individuals such as the processor workers, that we have access to a food supply that is second to none," said Alaska Rural Development State Director Bill Allen. "The housing to be built will help to bring workers and their families a higher quality of living conditions, and a place to call home."

     USDA Rural Housing Service (RHS) grant assistance is provided through a special demonstration program designed to assist in creating rental housing for processor workers living in areas of high unemployment within the state of Alaska. The following is a list of grant recipients:

• Seafood Producers Cooperative, Sitka, Alaska - $613,479 - 24 rental units.

• Coastal Villages Region Fund, Anchorage, Alaska - $304,536 - 50 bed facility.

     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 programs can be obtained by contacting any USDA Service Center or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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