Voice: (202) 720-9035.World Wide Web: http://www.usda.gov
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Release No. 0202.99
Media Contact: Contact: Andrew Kauders (202) 720-4623
Andrew.kauders@usda.gov
Public Contact: LaJaycee Brown (202) 720-9741
Layaycee.brown@usda.gov
USDA MAKES OVER $25 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR HOUSING FARM WORKERS
WASHINGTON, May 10, 1999 - Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today announced that more than $25 million in loans and grants is available to finance construction of more than 500 new units of rental housing for domestic farm laborers. This funding is $ 10.3 million more than last year's.
"The increased funding and improvements in the program's operation demonstrate USDA's continued emphasis on improving living conditions for farm workers and their (NOFA) for this program, which will help us better funnel program dollars to areas of greatest need and maximize the number of housing units built."
In the past, the program worked on a first-come, first-served basis, which resulted in a backlog of applications, often with new applicants waiting two or three years for funding. Now, the process will be competitive, with projects serving the greatest need and creating the most units of housing per USDA-dollar invested to receive funding priority.
Also new to the program is the ability to lend money to limited partnerships if they have a nonprofit general partner. Limited partnerships are able to use low-income housing tax credits to construct housing facilities. The proceeds of which can be leveraged with USDA program funds to increase the number of rental housing units.
"Our goal is to create better living conditions and to build a better future for U.S. farm workers," said Jill Long Thompson, under secretary for USDA Rural Development. "Farm workers ensure the successful production and distribution of our nation's agricultural commodities and they allow us to be competitive in world markets. At the same time, they suffer some of the worst housing conditions in the United States."
Applicants must submit loan applications to their USDA Rural Development state office by 5 p.m., July 15, 1999. For more information on this program, contact your local Rural Development office, or call (202) 720-4323 to be connected to your state office. You can, also check our Web site at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. The announcement and program guidelines appear in the May 6, 1999, Federal Register.
