USDA Rural Development announces the timeframe to submit pre-applications for Section 514 Farm Labor Housing (FLH) loans and Section 516 Farm Labor Housing grants for the construction of new off-farm FLH units and related facilities for domestic farm laborers and for the purchase and substantial rehabilitation of an existing non-FLH property. The intended purpose of these loans and grants is to increase the number of available housing units for domestic farm laborers.
To be eligible to apply for a Section 516 grant or Section 514 loan for off-farm FLH, the applicant must be a broad-based non-profit organization, including community and faith-based organizations, a non-profit organization of farm workers, a Federally recognized Indian tribe, an agency or political subdivision of a State or local Government, or a public agency. In addition to these entities, limited partnerships which have a non-profit entity as its general partner may apply for 514 loans.
There are no community population restrictions. All Nebraska communities are eligible for off-farm FLH loans and grants.
Eligible occupants of FLH projects may include very low, low, and moderate income tenants with occupations associated with cultivating the soil or raising or harvesting any agriculture or aquaculture commodity; or in catching, netting, handling, planting, drying, packing, grading, storing, or preserving in the unprocessed stage any agriculture or aquaculture commodity; or delivering to storage, market, or a carrier for transportation to market or to processing any agricultural or aquacultural commodity in its unprocessed stage.
More information on the pre-application and application process may be accessed at: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/farm-labor-housing-direct-loans-grants under the “Forms and Resources” tab. For questions or to request an application, please contact
Linda Anders, Multi-Family Housing Specialist at 402-437-5734 linda.anders@ne.usda.gov . The deadline for receipt of all applications is 5pm CT, June 23, 2015.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.