Department restructures housing areas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is restructuring areas for Single and Multi-Family Housing Assistance.

As a result of growth and expansion of some large cities in Indiana, a realignment of USDA Rural Development’s eligible areas was needed, according to a press release.

Rural Development procedures include that the agency can no longer provide assistance in areas with a 20,000 population threshold, according to the release. The USDA will not be able to give financial assistance in Greencastle, Lebanon or Martinsville.

“USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration – the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act,” according to the release.

There are 26 counties where all or a portion of the counties have areas ineligbile for assistance, while 16 areas, including portions of Boone, Monroe and 14 other counties, are being expanded, according to a press release.

“USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $172 billion in loans and loan guarantees,” according to the release. “These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.”

— Matt Stefanski