Disaster Recovery:

Rebuilding Our Rural Communities

**USDA**

**RURAL DEVELOPMENT**

**RESPONSE TEAM**

The following document was designed to quickly educate Disaster
applicants of possible assistance. Some selected programs have been
modified in the event of disasters and funds adjusted for Rural
Development to effectively and efficiently provide disaster relief to
parties in need.

*A Catalog of Rural Development Programs can be accessed on our Home
Page\
<http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/fl/>*

[Table of Contents]{.underline}

I.  **Utilities and Community Facilities**

II. **Multi Family Housing**

III. **Single Family Housing**

IV. **Rural Business and Cooperative**

V.  **Other Relief**

VI. **Contact Information**

VII. **Appendices**

     a.  **Program Questions Answered**

     b.  **Catalog of Programs**

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I.  **UTILITIES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES**

**Rural Utilities**

**Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste**

Funds may be used for construction, land acquisition, legal fees,
engineering fees, equipment, initial operation and maintenance costs,
project contingencies, and other cost that are determined by Rural
Development to be necessary for the completion of the project. Projects
must be primarily for the benefit of rural users.

**Eligibility:** Rural communities, and towns and cities with
**[populations of 10,000]{.underline}** or less per the latest decennial
Census are eligible program beneficiaries. To qualify, applicants must
be unable to obtain the financing from other sources and/or their own
resources at reasonable rates and terms.

**Who is Eligible:** Public bodies, Special Districts, community based
nonprofit corporations and Indian Tribes can be eligible applicants.

**Direct Loan Interest Rates**

-   Market Rate - Available to applicants whose Median Household Income
    (MHI) for their service area is greater than the non-metropolitan
    MHI of Florida (\$39,730).

-   Intermediate Rate - Available to applicants whose MHI is not more
    than the non-metropolitan MHI (\$39,730) of Florida and who
    otherwise do not qualify for the poverty rate.

-   When MHI of the service area is below the higher of the poverty line
    or 80% of the state non-metropolitan median income and the project
    is necessary to alleviate a health or sanitary problem.

-   Poverty Rate - Available to applicants whose MHI is below the latest
    established nationwide poverty level (MHI) of Florida ( ex. 80% of
    \$39,730 = \$31,784) and there are existing health/sanitation
    conditions that would be alleviated with the proposed project so as
    to comply with regulatory agencies' established standards.

Rates are **subject to change quarterly** (January 1, April 1, July 1,
and October 1) each year. This document is based on 2004 rates to use as
examples. The market rate is based on the performance of the Bond Buyer
Index. The poverty rate in 2004 was set at 4.5%. The intermediate rate
is set halfway between the poverty and market rates but not to exceed
7%. Rates are fixed and the maximum rate is established at the time the
loan is approved. If rates drop by the time the loan is closed, the
applicant is afforded the opportunity to receive the lower rate

**Guaranteed Loan & Interest Rates:** Rates are negotiated between the
lender and applicant and must be determined by Rural Development to be
reasonable. Interest rates may be fixed or variable.

**Repayment Terms:** Up to 40 years for both direct and guaranteed loans
based on the applicant's authority and the useful life expectancy of the
system.

**Security** Guaranteed **and Direct Loans:**

-   Public Bodies - Revenue Bonds, General Obligation Bonds, Special
    Assessment Bonds. Obligations that secure a guaranteed loan must be
    taxable.

    -   Non-Profit Corporations - Promissory Notes, Real Estate
        Mortgages, Financing Statements, Security Agreements.

**Maximum Amounts:** Direct loans may be obtained for 100 percent of
eligible project costs subject to adequate security, ability to repay,
applicant's authority to borrow and availability of funds.

**Guaranteed Loans:** Same as for direct loans as determined by the
private lender and approved by RUS. However, the Rural Development
guarantee cannot exceed 90% of the loan, with the norm being 80%.

**Grants:** Grants are used to supplement direct loans for the purpose
of reducing user charge for the facility to a reasonable level when
compared to similar systems in size and with similar economic and income
conditions.

**Maximum Grants:** Up to 75% of eligible project costs for applicants
whose MHI is below the latest established nationwide poverty level
(\$19,350) or below 80% of the non-metropolitan MHI of Florida (80% of
\$39,730) and the project is needed to correct health and sanitation
problems.

Up to 45% of eligible project costs for applicants who do not qualify
for the 75% category and their MHI is not greater than the
non-metropolitan MHI of Florida. Applicants with MHI in excess of the
above criteria would qualify for no grant consideration.

The actual amount of grant funds awarded to the applicant will be
determined based on the grant dollars required to reduce the user rates
for users to a reasonable level up to the maximum amount of 45% or 75%

Grant funds cannot be used to pay project costs related to interest,
refinancing, purchase of existing systems, and initial operation and
maintenance.

**Community Facilities\
Guaranteed and Direct Loans**

Funds can be used for construction, land acquisition, legal fees,
architect fees, capitalized interest, equipment, initial operation and
maintenance costs, project contingencies, and any other cost that is
determined by Rural Development to be necessary for the completion of
the project.

**Eligibility:** Public bodies, nonprofit corporations, Special
Districts, and federally recognized Indian Tribes are eligible to apply.
Projects must be located in rural areas or small incorporated towns and
cities not larger than **[20,000 population]{.underline}** based on the
latest decennial Census of the United States. To qualify applicants must
be unable to obtain the financing from other credit sources at
reasonable rates and terms.

**Examples of Essential Facilities:** Cultural & Educational all Purpose
Buildings, Colleges, Libraries, Museums, Nursery and Adult Care
facilities, Public Schools, Open Air Theaters, Fire Trucks, Jails,
Mobile Communications Centers, Police Stations, Rescue & Ambulance
Services, Clinics, Hospitals, Rehabilitation Centers, Agricultural
Fairgrounds, Parking Lots, Animal Shelters, Bridges-Roads, Cemeteries,
etc. Recreational Facilities may receive Guaranteed Loans only.

**Interest Rates:** Guaranteed Loans - As negotiated by the lender and
applicant and determined by RHS to be reasonable. May be fixed or
variable rate.

**Direct Loans:** Market Rate - Available to applicants whose project
service area income is greater than the State non-metropolitan income
(NMHI). \$39,730 for Florida.

-   Intermediate Rate - Available to applicants whose project service
    area income is not more than the State NMHI and who otherwise do not
    qualify for the poverty rate.

-   Poverty Rate - Available to applicants whose project service area
    income is below the latest established nationwide poverty level or
    (whichever is higher) below 80 percent of the State NMHI and there
    are existing health/sanitation conditions that would be alleviated
    with the proposed project so as to comply with regulatory agencies\'
    established standards. The health/sanitation provisions do not apply
    to health care and related facilities that provide direct heath care
    to the public.

Rates are subject to change quarterly (January 1, April 1, July 1, and
October 1). The market rate is based on the performance of the Bond
Buyer Index. The intermediate rate is set halfway between the poverty
and market rates but will not to exceed 7 percent. Rates are fixed and
the maximum rate is established at the time the loan is approved. If
rates drop by the time the loan is closed, the applicant is afforded the
opportunity to receive the lower rate.

**Current Rates: (subject to change -- these are 10/2005 examples)**

Poverty\...\...\...\...\...4.500%

Intermediate\.......4.375%

Market\...\...\...\...\.....4.250%

**[Repayment Term:\
]{.underline}**Up to 40 years for both direct and guaranteed loans based
on applicant\'s legal authority, type of security offered, and the
expected useful life of the facility.

**[\
Security \-- Guaranteed and Direct Loans:]{.underline}**

Public Bodies - Revenue Bonds, General Obligation Bonds, Special
Assessment Bonds. Guaranteed loans may not be secured by tax-exempt
obligations. Non-Profit Corporations - Promissory Notes, Real Estate
Mortgages, Financing Statements, Security Agreements.

**[\
Maximum Loan Amounts:]{.underline}**

Direct Loans - may be obtained for 100 percent of eligible project costs
subject to adequate security, ability to repay, applicant\'s authority
to borrow, and availability of funds.

Guaranteed loans - same as for direct loans as determined by private
lender and approved by us. Guarantees are usually 80 percent of the loan
amount, however, a 90 percent guarantee may be authorized under special
circumstances.

**Community Facilities Grants**

These grants are used to assist low income rural areas and towns in
developing essential public community facilities.

**Eligibility:** Associations, nonprofit corporations, public bodies,
and federally recognized Indian Tribes serving rural areas. Applicants
must:

-   Be unable to obtain needed funds from commercial sources at
    reasonable rates and terms.

-   Have the legal authority necessary for construction, operation, and
    maintenance of the proposed facility.

-   Propose facilities that are necessary for orderly community
    development and consistent with the State's USDA, Rural Development,
    strategic plan;

-   Be located in a rural community having a population of **20,000 or
    less;** and

-   Serve areas where the median household income (MHI) of the
    population to be served by the proposed facility is below the higher
    of the poverty line or 80 percent of the State non-metropolitan
    median household income (NMMHI).

**Use:** Grant funds may be used to supplement financial assistance
authorized in Rural Development Instruction (RD) 1942-A, "Community
Facility Loan", RD Instruction 1942-C, "Fire and Rescue Loans." Funding
for the balance of the project may consist of other CF financial
assistance (direct or guaranteed loans), applicant contribution, or
loans or grants from other sources. \*Limited to the minimum amount
necessary to provide for economic feasibility.

**Funding Priorities:** Projects will be selected based on a priority
point system. Projects that will receive priority are those that:

-   Serve small communities with the highest priority going to those
    with a population of 5,000 or less.

-   Serve very low income communities with the highest priority going to
    communities with a median household income below the higher of the
    poverty line or 60 percent of the non-metropolitan median household
    income; and

-   Provide health care, public safety services identified as necessary
    in the State Strategic Plan.

**Limitations:** Grant funds cannot be used to:

1.  Pay any annual recurring costs, including purchases or rental that
    are generally considered to be operating and maintenance expenses;

2.  Construct or repair electric generating plants, electric
    transmission lines, or gas distribution lines to provide services
    for commercial sale;

3.  Refinance existing indebtedness, pay interest, or loan/grant
    finder's fees;

4.  Pay any costs of a project where the median household income of the
    population to be served by the proposed facility is above the higher
    of the poverty line or 80 percent of the State non-metropolitan
    median household income;

5.  Pay project costs when other loan funding for the project is not
    equal to, or less than, the current intermediate interest rate for
    CF loans;

6.  Pay costs to construct facilities to be used for commercial rental
    where the applicant has no control over tenants and services
    offered;

7.  Construct facilities primarily for the purpose of housing State,
    Federal, or quasi-Federal agencies;

8.  Finance facilities which are modest in size, design, and cost; and
    Finance recreation facilities or community antenna television
    services or facilities.

**II. MULTI FAMILY HOUSING**

**SECTION 514 FARM LABOR HOUSING LOAN &**

**SECTION 516 FARM LABOR HOUSING GRANT PROGRAM**

Provides loans and grants for rental housing in rural areas for domestic
farm laborers.

**Eligibility:** Farm labor housing loans can be made to an individual
farm owner, family farm partnership, family farm corporation, an
association of farmers, State and local public agencies, broad-based
public or private profit and non-profit organizations.

**Use:** The program has two basic components: one is a "loan only" to
farmers for "On-Farm" housing on a non-rental basis; the other is a
"loan or a combination loan/grant" for "Off-farm" housing on a rental
basis for the local agricultural market. Loans are primarily made to
build, buy, improve, or purchase apartment-style housing usually
consisting of garden-type duplexes or townhouses, or similar multi-unit
dwellings.

The housing must be modest in size, design, and cost providing decent,
safe, and sanitary living units adequate to meet the tenant's need.

**HOUSING PRESERVATION GRANTS**

**Eligibility:** Applicants for this grant program must be a public body
or a non-profit corporation. Indian tribes with the legal,
administrative and technical capacity to carry out the objectives of the
program may also apply. All applicant entities must have experience in
providing the housing assistance that is the objective of this program.

**Use:** The Housing Preservation Grant program is designed to provide
assistance to low and very-low income homeowners and owners of single or
multiple unit rental properties. The funds are used for the repair of
homes, removal of safety hazards, or to provide accessibility features
for handicapped persons.

III. **SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING**

**502 DIRECT LOAN - SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING**

Primarily used to help very low and low-income individuals or households
purchase homes in rural areas.

**Use:** Funds can be used to build, repair, renovate or relocate a
home, or to purchase and prepare sites, including providing water and
sewage facility.

**Eligibility:** Applicants must have very low or low incomes however
they must be able to afford the mortgage payments including principal,
interest, taxes and insurance. Applicants must be unable to obtain
credit elsewhere yet have reasonable credit histories.

**502 GUARANTEED LOAN-SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING**

Primarily used to help low and moderate-income individuals or households
purchase homes in rural areas.

**Use:** Funds can be used to build, repair, renovate or relocate a
home, or to purchase and prepare sites, including providing water and
sewage facilities.

**Eligibility:** Applicants must have an income of up to 115% of the
median income for the area. Families must be without adequate housing,
but be able to afford the mortgage payments, including taxes and
insurance. Applicants must have reasonable credit histories.

Contact your local Rural Development office to obtain information on
local, state and nationally approved lenders such as Chase Manhattan
Mortgage Corp, Allied Mortgage Capital Corporation, Countrywide Homes
Loans, Capital City Bank, First Federal Savings Bank of Lake County,
Harbor Federal Savings and Loan, SunTrust Bank and Florida First Bank,
etc.

**504 LOANS**

**FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE**

**RURAL HOUSING REPAIR AND REHABILTATION**

Provide loans to very low income homeowners to repair, improve or
modernize their dwelling or to remove health and safety hazards.

**Eligibility:** Applicants must have very low incomes and be unable to
get credit elsewhere.

**Funding:** \$20,000 Maximum

**504 GRANTS**

**FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE**

**RURAL HOUSING REPAIR AND REHABILTATION**

Provides grants to very low income homeowners to repair, improve or
modernize their dwelling or to remove health and safety hazards.

**Eligibility:** Applicants must have very low incomes and be 62 years
or older. Applicants must be unable to repay a 504 Loan. SFH 504 loan
and grant may be combined.

**Funding:** \$7,500 Maximum

IV. **RURAL BUSINESS AND COOPERATIVE**

**RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANTS**

Used to support the development of small emerging private business
enterprises in rural areas.

**Eligibility:** Rural areas include all territory of the state that is
not within the outer boundary of any city having a population of
**50,000** or more and its immediately adjacent urbanized and urbanizing
areas with a population density of more than one hundred persons per
square mile. Small and emerging private businesses would generally be
ones that will employ 50 or less new employees and have less than
\$1,000,000 in projected gross revenues.

**Applicants:** Public bodies and private nonprofit corporations.

**Use:** These grant funds may be used to finance and develop small and
emerging private business enterprises in rural areas including but not
limited to the following:

-   Acquisition and development of land, easements, and rights-of-way.

-   Construction, conversion, enlargement, repairs or modernization of
    buildings, plants, machinery, equipment, access streets and roads,
    parking areas, utilities, pollution control and abatement
    facilities.

-   Loans for start-up operating cost and working capital.

-   Technical assistance for proposed grantee projects.

-   Reasonable fees and charges for professional services necessary for
    the planning and development for the project including packaging.

-   Services must be provided by individuals licensed in accordance with
    appropriate state accreditation associations.

If the grant funds are to be used to provide financial assistance to
third parties either through **revolving loans or lease of facilities**
by grantee; at least 51 percent of the outstanding interest in the
project must have membership or be owned by those who are either
citizens of the United States or reside in the United States after
having been legally admitted for permanent residence.

**RURAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY GRANTS**

Used to promote sustainable economic development in rural communities
with exceptional needs.

**Eligibility:** Rural areas include all territory of the state that is
not within the outer boundary of any city having a population of 50,000
or more. Organizations must provide for economic development planning,
technical assistance or training.

**Applicant:** These grants can be made to a public body, nonprofit
corporation, Indian tribe or cooperative with members that are primarily
rural residents. The applicant must have sufficient expertise in the
activities they propose to carry out with the grant funds and financial
strength to ensure they can accomplish the objectives of the proposed
grant.

**Use:** Grant funds may be used to pay costs of providing economic
planning for rural communities, technical assistance for rural
businesses or training for rural entrepreneurs or economic development
officials.

The applicant must be able to show that the funding will result in
economic development of a rural area. The application must include a
basis for determining the success or failure of the project and
assessing its impact.

**RURAL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN**

**Eligibility:** Loans can be made by commercial or other authorized
lenders in rural areas including all areas other than cities or towns of
more than 50,000 people and the contiguous and adjacent urbanized areas
of such cites or towns. Priority is given to applications for loans in
rural communities of 25,000 populations or less.

**Applicant:** Individuals; corporations, cooperatives, partnerships,
and other legal entities, public and private, organized and operated on
a profit or nonprofit basis; and federally recognized Indian tribal
groups. (Applicant applies with an approved lender)

**Use:**

-   Business and industrial acquisitions, construction, conversion,
    expansions, repair, modernization, or development cost.

-   Purchase of equipment, machinery, or supplies.

-   Start-up cost and working capital.

-   Processing and marketing facilities.

-   Pollution control and abatement.

-   Refinancing for viable projects under certain conditions.

**[\
]{.underline}Loan Guarantee Limit (maximum percentage applies to the
entire loan):**

80% for loans for \$5 million or less.

70% for loans over \$5 million and up to and including \$10 million.

**[\
]{.underline}Maximum Repayment Terms:**

Working Capital -- 7 years.

Machinery and equipment-15 years (or useful life.)

Real Estate -30 years

**[\
]{.underline}Fees and Cost:** A one time guarantee fee of 20 percent of
the guaranteed principal amount is paid by the lender and may be passed
on to the borrower. An "Annual Service Fee" is also charged at ¼ of the
unpaid guaranteed portion of the loan.

**[\
]{.underline}Borrower Equity Requirements:** A minimum of 10 percent
tangible balance sheet equity is required at the time of issuance of the
Loan Note Guarantee. Twenty percent tangible balance sheet equity is
required for new businesses. Equity is calculated from financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.

**\
Interest Rate:** Interest rates for loans may be fixed or variable. The
rate is negotiated between the lender and borrower and is similar to
those rates customarily charged to other borrowers in similar
circumstances. Variable rates cannot be adjusted more than quarterly.

V.  **Other Relief**

**Federal \--**

**FEMA** (Federal Emergency Management Agency)\
1-800-621-FEMA (3362) 1-800-462-7585 (TTY)

Stricken residents and local governments in Declared Disaster Areas are
eligible to apply for federal assistance that can include grants and
loans.

-   **Individual Assistance Program**: *Assistance to individuals and
    households*. Support includes help pay for temporary housing, home
    repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses.

-   **Public Assistance Program**: *Assistance to State and local
    governments for the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public
    facilities.* Disaster Aid to Repair, Replace, or Supplement Parts of
    a Community\'s Infrastructure. Designed to give assistance to
    respond to disasters, to recover from their impact and to mitigate
    impact from future disasters. Grants can be used for debris removal
    and emergency protective measures and other direct Federal
    assistance.

-   **Hazard Mitigation Grant Program:** *Assistance to State and local
    governments for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to
    life and property from natural hazards*. All counties in the State
    of Florida are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard
    Mitigation Grant Program.

**SBA** (U. S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION)\
1-800-359-2227 [www.sba.gov](http://www.sba.gov/)

Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are
available to cover residential and businesses losses not fully
compensated by insurance affected by Nationally Declared Disasters\
**Types of Disaster Loans:**

-   Home Disaster Loans. Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or
    replace disaster damages to real estate or personal property owned
    by the victim. Renters are eligible for their personal property
    losses.

-   Business Physical Disaster Loans. Loans to businesses to repair or
    replace disaster damages to property owned by the business,
    including real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and
    supplies. Businesses of any size are eligible. Non-profit
    organizations such as charities, churches, private universities,
    etc. are also eligible.

-   Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Loans for working capital to
    small businesses and small agricultural cooperatives to assist them
    through the disaster recovery period. EIDL assistance is available
    only to applicants with no Credit Available Elsewhere - if the
    business and its owners cannot provide for their own recovery from
    non-government sources.

**State \--**

> **Hotlines**

-   State of Florida Emergency Information 24-hour hotline (FEIL):
    1-800-342-3557

-   State Volunteer and Donations Hotline: 1-800-FL-HELP1
    (1-800-354-3571)

-   Elder Affairs: 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337)

-   Florida Power and Light: 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243)

-   Department of Financial Services Insurance Claim Hotline:

    -   1-800-22-STORM OR 1-800-227-8676

-   Attorney General\'s Price Gouging Hotline: 1-800-646-0444

-   Agricultural and Consumer Services Price Gouging Hotline:
    1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352)

-   [Agency for Workforce Innovation Unemployment
    Claims](http://www.floridajobs.org/awi_emergency2.htm) Emergency
    Internet Site or Call 1-800-204-2418

-   Volunteer Florida. http://www.disasterhelp.net/vflorida/

**Private \--**

> **\
> American Red Cross: 1-800-HELP-NOW (1-800-435-7669)**
>
> **Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)**

*\*USDA does not endorse program material that is not ours. These
contacts are for information purposes only.*

*\*All information in this document is subject to change.*

**VI. Rural Development Contact Information\
**

a.  **Area Offices - For all Utilities, Multi Family Housing, and Rural
    Business and Cooperative Support contact:**

-   **CRESTVIEW AREA OFFICE**\
    932 N. Ferdon Blvd., Suite B \
    Crestview, Florida 32536 \
    Telephone: (850) 682-2416 \
    ***Counties Served***: Bay, Escambia, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa,
    Walton and Washington 

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-   **MARIANNA AREA OFFICE**\
    2741 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 5 \
    Marianna, Florida  32448\
    Telephone: (850) 526-2610 \
    ***Counties Served***: Calhoun, Columbia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf,
    Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison,
    Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla

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-   **OCALA AREA OFFICE**\
    2303 N.E. Jacksonville Road, Suite 400 \
    Ocala, Florida 34470 \
    Telephone: (352) 732-7534 \
    ***Counties Served***: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay,
    Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Levy, Marion, Nassau, Putnam,
    Seminole, St. Johns, Union and Volusia

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-   **TAVARES AREA OFFICE**\
    1729 David Walker Road\
    Tavares, Florida 32778 \
    Telephone: (352) 742-7005 \
    ***Counties Served***: Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando,
    Hillsborough, Lake, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk
    and Sumter.

-   **WEST PALM BEACH AREA OFFICE**\
    750 S. Military Trail, Suite J\
    West Palm Beach, Florida 33415 \
    Phone: (561) 683-2285 \
    ***Counties Served:***  Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Dade, Glades,
    Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee,
    Palm Beach, Sarasota and St. Lucie. Also serves St. Croix, St.
    Thomas & St. John, Virgin Islands

**b. Local Offices - For all Single Family Housing Support contact:**

-   **BALDWIN**\
    260 U.S. 301 North \
    Baldwin, Florida 32234 \
    Telephone: (904) 266-0088 \
    ***Counties Served***: Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Nassau, St.
    Johns and Union 

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-   **BARTOW**\
    1700 Hwy. 17 S., Suite 3 \
    Bartow, Florida 33830-6633\
    Telephone: (863) 533-2051 \
    ***Counties Served***: Desoto, Hardee and Polk 

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-   **CHIPLEY**\
    1424 Jackson Ave., Suite B \
    Chipley, Florida 32428 \
    Telephone: (850) 638-1982 \
    ***Counties Served***: Bay, Holmes and Washington 

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-   **DEFUNIAK SPRINGS**\
    239 John Baldwin Road, Suite C \
    DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433 \
    Telephone: (850) 892-3712 \
    ***Counties Served***: Okaloosa and Walton 

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-   **DELAND**\
    1342-A South Woodland Blvd.\
    DeLand, Florida 32720 \
    Phone: (386) 734-2535 \
    ***Counties Served:*** Flagler, Putnam, Seminole and Volusia 

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-   **LIVE OAK**\
    10094 US 129 South\
    Live Oak, Florida 32060\
    Phone: (386) 362-2681 \
    ***Counties Served:*** Columbia, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette,
    Madison, Suwannee and Taylor 

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-   **MARIANNA**\
    2741 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 7 \
    Marianna, Florida 32448-4014 \
    Telephone: (850) 526-2610 \
    ***Counties Served:*** Calhoun, Gulf, Jackson and Liberty 

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-   **MILTON**\
    USDA, AGRI Center \
    6275 Dogwood Drive\
    Milton, Florida 32570\
    Phone: (850) 623-2441\
    ***Counties Served:*** Escambia and Santa Rosa 

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-   **N. FORT MYERS**\
    3434 Hancock Bridge Pkwy., Suite 209-A \
    N. Ft. Myers, Florida 33903-7005 \
    Telephone: (239) 997-7331 \
    ***Counties Served:*** Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Dade, Glades,
    Hendry, Lee, Monroe, and Sarasota 

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-   **OCALA**\
    2303 N.E. Jacksonville Road, Ste. 300\
    Ocala, Florida 34470 \
    Telephone: (352) 732-9840\
    ***Counties Served:*** Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and
    Marion

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-   **OKEECHOBEE**\
    454 N.W. Hwy. 98 \
    Okeechobee, Florida 34972 \
    Phone: (863) 763-3345 \
    ***Counties Served:*** Highlands and Okeechobee, Palm Beach, Martin,
    St. Lucie, and Indian River

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-   **PLANT CITY**\
    201  S. Collins Street, Second Floor \
    Plant City, Florida 33566 \
    Phone: (813) 752-1474\
    ***Counties Served:*** Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Pasco

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-   **QUINCY**\
    2138 W. Jefferson St. \
    Quincy, Florida 32351 \
    Phone: (850) 627-6365\
    ***Counties Served:*** Franklin, Gadsden, Leon and Wakulla 

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-   **ST. CROIX,  VI**\
    5030 Anchorway, Suite 4\
    Gallows Bay \
    St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00820\
    Phone: (340) 773-9146\
    ***Locations Served:*** St. Croix, St. John & St. Thomas, VI

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-   **TAVARES**\
    1725 David Walker Dr.\
    Tavares, Florida 32778\
    Telephone: (352) 742-7005 \
    ***Counties Served:*** Brevard, Hernando, Lake, Orange, Osceola and
    Sumter

**c. State Office: For statewide initiatives and other community
support, contact:**

> Address: 4440 NW 25^th^ Place, Gainesville, Florida 32606
>
> Phone: (352) 338-3402 • Fax: (352) 338-3405 • TDD: (352) 338-3499

-   **State Director**\
    4440 N.W. 25th Place \
    Gainesville, Florida   32606 \
    Telephone:  (352) 338-3402 \
    Fax: (352) 338-3405 

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```
-   **Single Family Housing**\
    4440 N.W. 25th Place \
    Gainesville, Florida   32606 \
    Telephone:  (352) 338-3436 \
    Fax:  (352)  338-3437

-   **Multi-Family Housing**\
    4440 N.W. 25th Place \
    Gainesville, Florida   32606 \
    Telephone:  (352) 338-3465 \
    Fax:  (352)  338-3437

-   **Community Programs**\
    4440 N.W. 25th Place \
    Gainesville, Florida  32606\
    Telephone:  (352) 338-3440\
    Fax:  (352)  338-3485 

-   **Rural Business-Cooperative Programs**\
    4440 N.W. 25th Place \
    Gainesville, Florida   32606 \
    Telephone:  (352)  338-3482 \
    Fax:  (352) 338-3450

-   **Civil Rights**\
    4440 N.W. 25th Place \
    Gainesville, Florida   32606 \
    Telephone:  (352) 338-3402 \
    Fax: (352) 338-3405 

>  

VII. **Appendices**

Appendix a: Program Questions Answered

**Utilities and Community Facilities**

**COMMUNITY FACILITIES GRANT PROGRAM**

Q. What is the purpose of the program?

A. Provide grant funding to assist low income communities in developing,
improving or repairing essential public facilities.

Q. Who is eligible?

A. Nonprofit corporations, public bodies (cities, towns, counties,
districts), and federally recognized Indian Tribes. Projects must be
located in and serve rural areas or small incorporated towns and cities
not larger than 20,000 population based on the latest decennial Census.
Eligible applicants must have the legal authority necessary to
construct, operate, and maintain the proposed facility.

Q. Are there special provisions for disaster repair/reconstruction
applications?

A. The Rural Development State Director has the authority to give
priority funding consideration to applications that fund disaster
recovery projects.

Q. How may funds be used?

A. Grant funds may be used to fund eligible costs associated with the
project. This can include disaster recovery and future disaster
mitigation repairs and improvements.

Q. How is the amount of authorized granting funding for a project
determined?

A. Grant funds are made available on a sliding scale ranging from up to
15% of eligible project costs to 75% of eligible project costs. The
lowest income smaller communities qualify for the highest percentage of
grant.

Q. Is there a "financial need test" relating to grant eligibility?

A. Yes, grant funds may not may be made available in an amount greater
than what is necessary for project financial viability and that the
applicant lacks the capacity to fund from its own resources.

Q. Are there other limitations on the use of the grant funds?

A. Funds may not be used for:

-   Paying any annual recurring costs, including purchases or rentals
    that are generally considered to be operating and maintenance
    expenses;

-   Construction or repair of electric generating plants, electric
    transmission lines, or gas distribution lines;

-   To provide services for commercial sale;

-   Refinance existing indebtedness, pay interest, or loan/grant
    finder's fees;

-   Pay any costs of a project where the median household income of the
    population to be served by the proposed facility is above the higher
    of the poverty line or 80 percent of the State non-metropolitan
    median household income.

Q. Are certain types of projects given priority for funding
consideration?

A. Yes. Projects are selected based on a priority point system. Projects
that will receive priority are those that:

-   Serve small communities with the highest priority going to those
    with a population of 5,000 or less.

-   Serve very low income communities with the highest priority going to
    communities with a median household income below the higher of the
    poverty line or 60 percent of the non-metropolitan median household
    income; and

-   Provide health care or public safety services or other services that
    are identified as agency priorities.

-   Projects that fund designated disaster recovery repairs and
    improvements.

**COMMUNITY FACILITIES DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM**

Q. What is the purpose of the program?

A. To finance the improvement, development or repair of public
facilities that provide essential services to rural residents.

Q. Are there special provisions for disaster repair/reconstruction
applications?

A. The Rural Development State Director has the authority to give
priority funding consideration to applications that fund disaster
recovery projects.

Q. What types of facilities can be financed?

A. Any facility that is open to the public and provides an essential
service to an eligible rural community. Examples include medical
clinics, hospitals, fire stations, libraries, city halls, jails, etc.

Q. Who may be considered an eligible applicant?

A. Public bodies, nonprofit corporations and federally recognized Indian
Tribes are eligible to apply. Projects must be located in and serve
rural areas or small incorporated towns and cities not larger than
20,000 population based on the latest decennial Census of the United
States. To qualify, all applicants must be unable to obtain the needed
financing from other credit sources at reasonable rates and terms and/or
from their own resources.

Q. How may the funds be used?

A. Funds can be used for construction, land acquisition, legal fees,
architect fees, capitalized interest, equipment, initial operation and
maintenance costs, project contingencies, and any other cost that is
determined by Rural Development to be necessary for the completion of
the project. This may include disaster recovery and future disaster
mitigation repairs and improvements.

Q. What will the interest rate be?

A. The rate will be determined at loan approval and will be based on the
median household income of the community served by the facility and the
type of services being provided. The current rates range from 4.5% to
5.0%. Rates are fixed, not variable.

Q. What repayment terms are allowed?

A. Up to 40 years based on the applicant\'s legal authority, type of
security offered, and the expected useful life of the facility.

Q. How will the loan be secured?

A. Usually Public Bodies secure loans with Revenue Bonds, General
Obligation Bonds, or Special Assessment Bonds. Loans to Non-Profit
Corporations are typically secured with a Promissory Notes, Real Estate
Mortgages, Financing Statements, and Security Agreements.

Q. What percentage of project costs can be borrowed?

A. Loans may be made for 100 percent of eligible project costs subject
to adequate security, ability to repay, applicant\'s authority to
borrow, and availability of funds.

Q. How is the loan application process started?\
A. Eligibility of an applicant can be determined by filing a
pre-application package with the agency. Eligible applicants will be
invited to file a complete application. USDA Rural Development personnel
will directly assist the applicant in the preparation of the complete
application.

**EMERGENCY COMMUNITY WATER ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM**

Q. Does Rural Development have any utility system funding programs
specifically to assist rural communities recover from natural disasters
such as hurricanes? A. Yes, the Emergency Community Water Assistance
Grant program.

Q. What does this program provide? A. Grant assistance to rural
communities that have had a significant decline in quantity or quality
of drinking water due to an emergency event.

Q. What is considered an "emergency event"? A. Occurrence of an incident
such as a hurricane, earthquake, flood, tornado, drought, etc.

Q. What is an eligible rural community?\
A. Unincorporated rural areas, and towns and cities with populations of
10,000 or less per the 2000 Census are eligible program beneficiaries.

Q. Who is eligible to apply?\
A. Public bodies, community based nonprofit corporations and Indian
Tribes, can be eligible applicants. To qualify, applicants must be
unable to obtain the financing from commercial sources at reasonable
rates and terms and/or their own resources.

Q. How is the amount of grant funding determined? A. Grants may be made
for 100 percent of eligible project costs. The maximum grant is
\$500,000 when a significant decline in quantity or quality of water
occurred within 2 years, or \$150,000 to make emergency repairs and
replacement of facilities on existing systems.

Q. Can facilities other than public water systems be improved repaired
with these funds if they are related to the functioning of a water
system?\
A. No. Funds may only be made for direct repairs/improvements to
eligible water systems.

**WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL LOAN & GRANT PROGRAM**

Q. What is the purpose of the program?

A. Provide loans and grants for the development or improvement of
central water, wastewater, storm water and solid waste disposal systems
that serve eligible rural communities.

Q. Are there special provisions for disaster repair/reconstruction
applications?

A. The Rural Development State Director has the authority to give
priority funding consideration to applications that fund disaster
recovery projects.

Q. What is an eligible rural community?

A. Unincorporated rural areas, and towns and cities with populations of
10,000 or less per the 2000 Census are eligible program beneficiaries.

Q. Who is eligible to apply?

A. Public bodies, community based nonprofit corporations and Indian
Tribes, can be eligible applicants. To qualify, applicants must be
unable to obtain the financing from commercial sources at reasonable
rates and terms and/or from their own resources.

Q. What may the funds be used for?

A. Funds may be used for construction, land acquisition, legal fees,
engineering fees, equipment, project contingencies, and other cost that
are determined by Rural Development to be necessary for the completion
of the project. Projects must be primarily for the benefit of rural
users. This may include disaster recovery and future disaster mitigation
repairs and improvements.

Q. What will the interest rate be?

A. The rate will be determined at loan approval and will be based on the
median household income of the community served by the facility and the
type of services being provided. The current rates range from 4.5% to
5.0%.

Q. What repayment terms are allowed?

A. Up to 40 years based on the applicant\'s legal authority, type of
security offered, and the expected useful life of the facility.

Q. How are loans secured?

A. Usually Public Bodies secure loans with Revenue Bonds, General
Obligation Bonds, or Special Assessment Bonds. Loans to Non-Profit
Corporations are typically secured with Promissory Notes, Real Estate
Mortgages, Financing Statements, and Security Agreements.

Q. What percentage of project costs can be received?

A. Loans may be made for 100 percent of eligible project costs subject
to adequate security, ability to repay, applicant\'s authority to
borrow, and availability of funds.

Q. How is the amount of grant funding determined?

A. Grants are used to supplement loan funding for the purpose of
reducing user charges for the facility to a reasonable level when
compared to comparable systems and similar size communities with similar
economic and income conditions. Statutory maximum grant eligibility is
determined by evaluating the median household income of the facility's
service area and whether the project is necessitated by the need to
correct health and sanitation issues.

**Multi Family Housing**

Q. If a tenant is displaced from a Rural Development financed apartment
complex due to damage from a disaster, what assistance is available to
them?

A. The tenant should contact the management agent of their complex as
soon as possible. A Letter of Priority Entitlement (LOPE) will be given
to the tenant. This letter entitles a displaced tenant to be placed at
the top of all waiting lists in other Rural Development financed
complexes. If the tenant is receiving rental assistance (where the rent
amount is based on the tenant's income) and is forced to move to another
Rural Development apartment complex, that rental assistance will be
available to them at the new complex. Once the damaged apartment complex
is repaired and habitable (regardless of the length of time involved in
repairs) the displaced tenant is required to move back into their old
complex if they wish to retain their rental assistance.

Q. Housing in my community was severely impacted by the hurricane,
especially farm worker housing. Is there any assistance from Rural
Development for farm worker housing? What about the need for rental
units for non-farm workers?

A. Temporary shelter needs should be directed to FEMA. Rural Development
has a program to provide funding for farm worker housing complexes in
rural areas. We have requested additional funding from our National
Office to construct new farm worker housing complexes in areas where
non-government farm worker housing was impacted the hardest. Rural
Development also has a similar program for apartment complexes
designated as family or elderly. For additional information concerning
these programs, please contact the Rural Development Area Office which
serves your community.

Q. Is there any other assistance available from the Rural Development
Multi-Family Housing program?

A. Rural Development also administers the Housing Preservation Grant
program. This program provides grant funds to non-profit corporations or
public bodies who assist very low and low income homeowners or owners of
single or multiple unit rental properties. The funds must be used to
assist in repairs, removal of safety hazards, or can be used to provide
accessibility for handicapped persons (the applicant must have
experience in providing these types of services). For additional
information concerning these programs, please contact the Rural
Development Area Office which serves your community.

**Single Family Housing**

**LOAN PROCESSING\
FOR SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING**

**DIRECT SECTION 502 AND 504 NATURAL DISASTER\
LOAN AND GRANTS**

Q. What is supplemental funding?

A. Supplemental funding is periodically appropriated through Congress to
assist families whose primary residence was damaged or destroyed as
direct result of a natural disaster.

Natural Disaster Loans and Grants are available in counties designated
by the President as disaster areas to assist those with USDA Rural
Development financed homes were damaged or destroyed. Disaster victims
who are not USDA Rural Development borrowers should contact the Federal
Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration. They are
both lead agencies that provide direct assistance to disaster victims.

To qualify for supplemental funding from Rural Development, the
following conditions must be met:

1.  Provide evidence primary dwelling is located in the affected area of
    a natural

> disaster and designated through a Presidential Declaration;

2.  Provide evidence to USDA, Rural Development physical damage to
    primary

> dwelling was a direct result of the natural disaster;

3.  Provide evidence FEMA, SBA and other agencies funds have been
    exhausted

> before being determined eligible for Rural Development supplemental
> funding; and

4.  Applicants must meet all the eligibility requirements for the Single
    Family Housing program.

It is not permissible to extend supplemental funds to an applicant
simply because they're seeking housing in the designated area.

Q. What are Rural Housing Direct loans?

A. Rural Housing Direct Loans are loans that are directly funded by the
Government.

These loans are available for low- and very low-income households to
obtain homeownership.

Q. What is the purpose of the Single Family Housing Program?

A. Loans are primarily used to help low-income individuals or households
purchase homes in rural areas. Funds can be used to build, repair,
renovate or relocate a home, or to purchase and prepare sites, including
providing water and sewage facilities.

Q. What are our eligibility requirements?

A. Applicants for direct loans from Rural Housing must have very low or
low incomes. Very low income is defined as below 50 percent of the area
median income (AMI); low income is between 50 and 80 percent of AMI;
moderate income is 80 to 100 percent of AMI. Families must be without
adequate housing, but be able to afford the mortgage payments, including
taxes and insurance. In addition, applicants must be unable to obtain
credit elsewhere, yet have reasonable credit histories. Elderly and
disabled persons applying for the program may have incomes up to 80
percent of area median income (AMI).

Q. What are our loan terms?\
A. Loans are for up to 33 years. The promissory note interest rate is
set by RHS, and in July 2005 it was 5.375%. There is no required down
payment; however, closing cost must be paid at closing. RHS must also
determine repayment feasibility, using ratios of repayment (gross)
income to PITI and to total family debt.

Q. What type of homes do we finance?\
A. Under the Section 502 program, housing must be modest in size,
design, and cost. Modest housing is generally defined as housing costing
less than the HUD Section 203 (b) loan limits as of 2004. Houses
constructed, purchased, or rehabilitated must meet the national model
building code adopted by the state and RHS thermal and site standards.

Q. Who approve housing loans?

A. Rural Development officials have the authority to approve most
Section 502 loan requests. Decisions on complete applications are
generally made within 30 days of the Rural Development office\'s receipt
of the application.

Q. What forms might I complete to apply for a loan?

A. Complete RD Form 410-4, Uniform Residential Loan Application and
3550-1, Authorization to Release Information, which can be obtained from
the local FEMA center, Rural Development office or website at
www.usda.gov.

Q. Where do I go to file an application?

A. Visit your local FEMA center or your nearest RD local office.
Duration of disaster assistance shall be available three years after a
natural disaster has been declared by the President.

Q. What is a Section 504 Loan?

A. It is a program to provide loans to very low income homeowners to
repair improve or modernize their dwelling or to remove health and
safety standards.

Q. What are our eligibility requirements?

A. Applicants must have very low incomes and be unable to get credit
elsewhere.

Q. What is the maximum loan amount?

A. It is \$20,000.

Q. How much supplemental funding is still available for the Section 504
loan program?

A. As of Nov 2005 there was still 2 million+ dollars in natural disaster
loan/grant funds is still available.

Q. What is a Section 504 Grant?

A. Grants are provided to very low income homeowners to repair, improve
or modernize

their dwelling or to remove heath and safety hazards.

Q. What are out eligibility requirements?

A. Applicants must have very low income and be 62 years or older.
Applicants must be unable to repay a 504 loan. A Single Family Housing
504 loan and grant may be combined.

Q. What is the maximum grant amount?

A. It is \$7,500.

Q. How much supplemental funding are we expecting for the Section 504
grant program?

A. Currently, less than \$500,000 is available now. However, an
additional 1 million dollars in Section 504 natural disaster grant funds
will be available from FY 05 appropriation.

**LOAN SERVICING**

USDA, Rural Development will make every effort to help our existing
borrowers who are victims of the disaster to recover from financial
hardships after the devastation. Loan servicing options are available to
help families who experience financial problems after the disaster.

**Our borrowers should request loan servicing assistance by contacting
the Centralize Servicing Center at:**

> USDA, Rural Development
>
> Centralize Servicing Center
>
> Attn.: Borrower Assistance Branch Special Assistance Section
>
> Post office Box 66889 St. Louis, MO 63166
>
> Phone: (800) 414-1226
>
> TDD: (800) 438-1832

Q. What are we doing to assist USDA, Rural Development existing
borrowers affected by the most recent natural disaster borrowers who
become unemployed, incur medical expenses or experience a reduction of
household income due to situations beyond their control?

A. Rural Development is currently providing assistance in the form
Assistance in the form of payment assistance, moratorium, delinquency
workout agreement and/or re-amortization agreement based on eligibility
determinations.

**Explanation of the various serving options below:**

**Delinquency Workout Agreement**

A Delinquency Workout Agreements (DWA) permits borrowers to stop
liquidation action by agreeing to pay, in addition to the scheduled
payment, an extra amount that will bring the account current in the
shortest time possible, not to exceed two years.

**Payment Assistance**

Payment assistance is a subsidy granted by the Agency to enhance the
borrower's repayment ability and is based on household income,
composition and loan amount. The subsidy is applied to a borrower's loan
when the borrower makes their portion of the scheduled payment.

**Moratorium**

A moratorium "stops the clock" on payments from 180 days to two years to
enable the borrower to recover from losses of income or unexpected
expenses. A moratorium is intended to help a borrower who is
experiencing temporary financial difficulties, due to circumstances
beyond the borrower's control, avoid foreclosure.

**Re-amortization Agreement**

A Re-amortization Agreement is rescheduling loan payments to determine a
new monthly payment amount. If needed following a moratorium or to
resolve account delinquency caused circumstance beyond our borrower
control like a natural disaster.

**Protective Advance**

Protective advances are funds advanced by the Agency for fees and
services that are needed to protect the Government's interest in the
security property and are usually considered when repairs cannot be
financed through a subsequent loan to the borrower.

**What assistance can be provided to a borrower with an uninsured
loss?**

Assistance may include moratorium, protective advance, or subsequent
loan or grant for repairs, based on an eligibility determination.

**Rural Business and Cooperative\
**

Q. What assistance is available for existing Business & Industry loan
guarantee borrowers?

A. Loan servicing assistance is handled through your lender and all
requests should be directed to your bank who will then work with us.

Q. What programs will be available for financial assistance to
businesses impacted by the disasters?

A. Rural Business Programs will be available to rural areas impacted by
the storms during the normal funding cycles and/or when the FY 2005
budget is passed by congress. The amount of funding to be available is
not known at this time. The Rural Business Enterprise Grants and
Business & Industry Loan Guarantee programs are the only ones with funds
that will be allocated to the state. See the program matrix for
information on each program.

Q. Will there be direct loan or grant funding for businesses?

A. With the exception of the Business & Industry Loan Guarantees, there
are no loans or grants available directly to businesses. The Rural
Business loan and grant programs are available to public bodies and
non-profit organizations to facilitate business development. See the
program matrix for more information.

Q. If a business is interested in applying for a guaranteed loan, who
should they contact?

A. Questions can be directed to the state office or area office serving
your location. Applications are filed through a bank or eligible lender.

Q. What else is available for rural businesses?

A. The Small Business Administration has disaster assistance loans
available. The State may have loans as well and FEMA provides some short
term assistance. Questions and inquiries should be directed to any
Disaster Assistance Center.

**Appendix b. Catalog of Programs\
(see our Home Page to download <http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/fl/> )**

*Manual update: July 2006\
\
All information is subject to change*