USDA Rural Development Plans Regular Delta Junction Hours

USDA Rural Development is scheduling regular office hours in Delta Junction through the summer to assist area residents, including farmers, in applying for home loans, community facilities and business funds.

“Delta Junction is a growing area and USDA Rural Development has programs that are intended to assist homeowners achieve the dream of homeownership. We also have a business guarantee program and programs to assist Alaskans wanting to develop a renewable energy project or promote energy efficiency,” said Acting State Director Chad Padgett. USDA also funds community facilities projects and water and sewer infrastructure. “From fire houses to meeting halls, libraries to emergency response equipment, USDA Rural Development is the only agency that could literally build a community from the ground up,” said Padgett.

Padgett also noted that Delta Junction is one of the state’s primary agricultural areas, and Delta Junction’s producers can avail themselves of USDA’s Farm Labor Housing program. “Loans may be used for construction, repair, or purchase of seasonal or year round housing for farm workers and their families,” said Padgett. Funds can be used to purchase land and pay for architectural or engineering fees, legal fees and interest during construction. Loans are available to farmers, family farm partnerships, family farm corporations, associations of farmers or state and local governments and eligible non-profit corporations.

“One of our more popular programs is intended for use by very low income homeowners to make home improvements and necessary repairs,” said Fairbanks Area Director Jim Pohlman. “That program allows Alaskan homeowners who meet income eligibility and other requirements to borrow up to $20,000 at 1 percent interest to make necessary improvements to their homes.” Residents have used the funds to drill wells, improve energy efficiency, buy generators or furnaces and construct handicap accessible ramps. A limited amount of grant funds for home repairs is also available for income-eligible seniors over the age of 62. Grants are for a maximum of $7,500.

Pohlman said that he and Fairbanks Loan Specialist Kim Wood will hold regular office hours in Delta Junction through the summer and will decide later in the year whether to continue, depending on demand. Rural Development representatives will be available at the Delta Junction Cooperative Extension office on Wednesday, June 4th and Wednesday June 18th from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. “While we encourage anyone who wants to meet with us to come in, we’re asking that, if possible you schedule an appointment,” Pohlman said. To schedule an appointment call 907-479-6767. You can also email jane.gibson@ak.usda.gov.

Further information on USDA Rural Development programs is available at any Rural Development office or by visiting our web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ak