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USDA Announces Availability of Funding for Grants to Help Repair Affordable Housing in Rural Communities

Name
Miguel Ramirez
Email
miguel.ramirez@usda.gov
Phone
3053429153
City
San Juan
Release Date

STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2023 – USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced the availability of funding for grants to help repair or rehabilitate homes, rental properties or co-ops occupied by low- and very-low-income rural residents. 

USDA is providing the funding through the Housing Preservation Grant program.

Maximiliano J. Trujillo-Ortega, USDA Rural Development State Director for Puerto Rico indicated that eligible applicants include most State or local governmental entities, nonprofit groups and faith-based organizations. This program is not for individual.

Approximately $18.5 million is being made available to eligible participants. Approximately $2.5 million of this funding is available for disaster assistance ($50,000 maximum award). 

For example, funds may be used to:

  • Repair or replace electrical wiring, foundations, roofs, insulation, heating systems and water/waste disposal systems.
  • Support accessibility features.
  •  

  • Purchase construction materials.
  • Finance administrative expenses up to 20%.

USDA is particularly interested in applications that will advance Biden-Harris Administration priorities to:

  • Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.
  • Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD-funded projects; and
  • Help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.

Additional information on these key priorities is available at www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.

The number of awards to be made will depend on the number of eligible participants and the total amount of requested funds. USDA expects to make approximately 100-150 awards based on the Department’s prior experience with this program.

Completed preapplications for grants must be submitted by paper or electronically by 4:30 p.m. local time June 5, 2023. For additional information, see page 24148 of the April 19, 2023, Federal Register. You can follow us at our Twitter Account @RD_PuertoRico.

To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.