Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking applications for grants to make housing repairs for low- and very-low-income rural residents. The grants are being provided through USDA Rural Development's Housing Preservation Grant program.
“These grants help rural homeowners and rental housing owners repair and improve their properties,” Vilsack said. “Funds may be used to resolve health or safety issues, make accessibility modifications for people with disabilities, or make energy-efficiency improvements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower utility costs.”
Eligible applicants for Housing Preservation Grants include town or county governments, public agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes and non-profit and faith-based organizations. USDA does not provide funding directly to homeowners under this program. For additional eligibility information, see page 28943 of the May 20, 2015 Federal Register.
USDA is making up to $3.3 million in grants available in Fiscal Year 2015. Pre-applications are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 6, 2015.
Last year, USDA provided Housing Preservation Grants for 107 projects in 46 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In 2014 Rural Development Montana provided $50,000 in assistance to the State of Montana, Public Health and Human Services, through the Housing Preservation Grant program. The funds are being used to pay for asbestos testing and removal through the Human Resource Development Council Weatherization Program.
To learn more about USDA’s Housing Preservation Grant program, please visit www.rd.usda.gov/mt or contact a Rural Development Montana Office near you.
President Obama's historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his 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.