USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT SEEKS LOAN & GRANT APPLICANTS

Posted on: August 11, 2008 | Wayne Maloney | Comments Off | Print Article | Rate Post:

(No Ratings Yet)

USDA Rural Development is encouraging eligible
Seward area homeowners to apply for low interest loans to make home
improvements, including increasing the energy efficiency of their residences. To be eligible, applicants must meet income requirements.
“Often, a relatively inexpensive repair or project can make a big difference in energy efficiency in a home,” said Acting State Director Chad Padgett, who encouraged Seward residents to find out more about the program. “Spring is an ideal time to make necessary repairs and this program is the best way for Alaskans who qualify to improve their residences and increase
energy efficiency,” said Rural Development Housing Director Deborah Davis. Eligible projects include but are not limited to installation of a new roof; weatherization including installing insulation, windows and doors; removal of health or safety hazards and repair or remodeling of homes to make them handicap accessible. Funds can also be used to install, repair or hook up
sanitary water and waste disposal systems. Repairs to owner-occupied mobile homes on permanent foundations are also authorized.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal aliens, lack the personal resources to meet their needs and currently own or occupy a single family home in a rural area that is in need of repair. Loans are available to owners who meet “very low income”
criteria and live outside the Municipality of Anchorage, the City and Borough of Juneau, the City of Fairbanks and the immediate urbanized area.
Repair loans are available for up to 20 years at 1% interest and loans may not exceed $20,000. Additionally, a limited amount of grant funding is available for very low income seniors age 62 and older. Grant assistance may not exceed $7,500. USDA Rural Development has its State Office in Palmer with an Area Offices in Kenai. Further information on rural programs is available at
any of these USDA Rural Development offices or by visiting our web site at
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ak/. You can call the Kenai office at 283-6640.
#

Comments