Thursday, Dec 20 2012 9:10PM

Owners of rural rental units can now submit loan and grant applications to the USDA to make repairs on the units.

States seeking funds for rural rental housing development are encouraged to apply for grants and loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The agency announced it is openly accepting applications from owners that have financed rural rental units through the USDA Rural Development. The funds can be used to make repairs to these properties, many of which are multifamily or farm labor housing units.

Although the funds are designed to help states continue providing affordable housing assistance to rural residents, loans or grants received through the USDA cannot be used to build community rooms, new offices or new units unless the latter is needed to meet federal guidelines.

"Strong rural communities are a key to a stronger rural America, and safe, sanitary housing is a basic need," said Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager. "It is important that we preserve and upgrade existing rural housing units. These revitalization funds are available to renew and restore eligible rental housing to ensure that these properties are safe and affordable for tenants for decades to come."

Revitalization efforts are underway in several states across the country as the government seeks to tackle severe housing issues in rural locations. In New Mexico, developers recently re-opened a $6.8 million revitalized apartment complex for low-income seniors. These efforts are designed to curb poverty among the nation's rural and most vulnerable residents.

For more information, check out this resource: The U.S. Department of Agriculture