USDA Rural Development State Director Vicki Walker has announced that USDA is soliciting pre-applications for the Farm Labor Housing Direct Loans and Grants Program.
Approximately $24 million in loans and $8 million in grants is expected to be made available nationwide in fiscal year 2016. This funding can be used for the construction of off-farm rental housing units and related facilities for domestic farm laborers, or for the purchase and substantial rehabilitation of currently non-farm labor housing properties for conversion to farm labor housing.
Eligibility and Funding
Eligible applicants for USDA Farm Labor Housing Direct Loans and Grants include farmers, associations of farmers, and family farm corporations; associations of farmworkers and nonprofits; most state and local government entities; and federally-recognized tribes.
USDA will assign additional points to pre-applications for projects based in or serving census tracts with poverty rates greater than or equal to 20 percent over the last 30 years.
For additional details, please see page 1611 of the January 13 Federal Register.
How to Apply
Electronic pre-application forms must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 12, 2016. Those who wish to submit a paper application in Oregon must ensure receipt at the State Office (address below) before 5:00 pm local time:
USDA Rural Development
ATTN: Diana Chappell, Multi-Family Housing Specialist
1220 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 1801
Portland, OR 97204
President Obama’s plan for rural America has produced historic investments in rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses, and infrastructure have strengthened America’s small towns and cities and helped improve the nation’s economy.