Ag Secretary Breaks Ground on $4.2 Million Migrant/Seasonal Housing Facility in Immokalee

News Release

Contact: Kevin Herglotz, (202) 720-4623
kevin.herglotz@usda.gov
Jim Brownlee, (202) 720-2091
jim.brownlee@usda.gov

AG SECRETARY BREAKS GROUND ON $4.2 MILLION MIGRANT/SEASONAL HOUSING FACILITY IN IMMOKALEE

$6.9 million in USDA funds announced for other community and business development efforts in rural Florida

IMMOKALEE, FL, August 29, 2001--Agriculture Secretary Ann M.Veneman today joined state and local officials to break ground on a 304-bed farm worker housing complex, to be built in Immokalee, Florida. While in Florida, Secretary Veneman announced the approval of an additional $450,000 for construction of sidewalks, water and utility infrastructure at the Immokalee housing site, and another $6.9 million in funding for other community and business development efforts in rural Florida.

"This is an important day for the community of Immokalee and hundreds of farm workers from throughout Collier County," said Veneman. "These projects are important resources for Florida and will help improve our rural communities throughout the state."

The $4.2 million dormitory style-housing complex will provide 304 beds for seasonal/migrant farm workers. Each unit will offer approximately 4-bedrooms, a common kitchen area equipped with appliances, a dining and living area, and two full bathrooms. Additionally, social and support services will be provided; including health and educational services.

The State of Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA), through a USDA grant, provided $3.2 million to the Collier County Housing Authority. The housing authority also received $75,000 from the Empowerment Alliance of Southwest Florida (a designated USDA Enterprise Community-EC), nearly $800,000 in county funds and impact fee waivers, and $100,000 of in-kind property donations from CSX Transportation, Inc.

The Collier County Housing Authority currently has 641 rental housing units in Immokalee funded through the USDA Rural Housing Service (RHS) Farm Labor Housing Loan and Grant Program. With the completion of the 304-bed facility, the housing authority will own and manage one of the largest farm worker rental-housing portfolios in the country.

Secretary Veneman also announced $6.9 million in loan and grant funds to support business and community development efforts in other parts of rural Florida. The following loan and grants were announced:

The RRG of Amelia, Inc. and Richard's of Waycross Georgia, Inc., has been approved to receive, through First Coast Community Bank, a conditional commitment for a $3.7 million business and industry guaranteed loan. The loan will be used for the demolition of an existing hotel and construction of a replacement hotel. Thirty jobs are expected to be created in Fernandina Beach and Nassau County.
Colonial Paper Company, Inc. of Ocala has been approved to receive, through First National Bank of Northwest Florida, a conditional commitment for a $1,980,000 business and industry guaranteed loan to secure favorable financing terms and to expand its existing structure. The loan guarantee will allow for 43 jobs to be saved.
Sebring Airport Authority located in Highlands County has been selected to receive $375,000 in rural business enterprise grant funds. The USDA dollars, leveraged with the Airport Authority's $225,000 contribution, will provide the financing for the construction of a facility to be leased by Everglades Foods, Inc., a small and emerging business that markets and develops new commercial food seasonings. This business will initially employ five individuals, with future staffing projected at 15-20 employees.
Town of Greenville (Madison County) has been approved to receive $876,600 in loan and grant funds ($438,300 loan/$438,300 grant) to replace the existing water treatment facility with a new 510 gallon-per-minute water treatment plant. The improvements will assist the 837 residents of Greenville.

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 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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