2007 ANNUAL

 REPORT

Committed to the future

of Rural Communities

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT 
Florida/US VI

2

We have the privilege of working for an agency that touches people’s lives, 

that strengthens communities, that builds hope one business, one job and 

one home at a time. Our mission and structure have changed significantly over 

the years. While remaining absolutely committed to our core program areas, we 

are also reinventing ourselves ... once again ... to respond to the remarkable 

new opportunities arising due to distributed computing, broadband, economic 

diversification and ... not least ... renewable energy. In our present form, we 

are essentially an investment bank for rural America with a portfolio of more than 

$97 billion. This is invested in rural infrastructure, housing, community facilities, 

business, and energy development.

Tom Dorrr

Under Secretary 

Rural Development

 USDA

Rural Development

Florida & 

U.S. Virgin Islands
Florida/US VI

3

Rural Development has been helping families, businesses and communities throughout rural America for over 70 years, bringing safe drinking water to entire communities, and helping 

those same communities protect their natural environment through construction of waste disposal 

systems. We have helped families realize the American Dream of homeownership, and helped 

bring affordable apartment style living to still other rural families. We have stimulated economic 

development by helping new and existing businesses thrive in small towns. 

Today, Rural Development is at the forefront in bringing telemedicine, energy projects, valueadded agriculture, broadband, infrastructure improvements and housing to small towns and rural 

communities throughout the land. In fiscal year 2007 USDA Rural Development invested over 

269 million dollars in Florida and the United States Virgin Islands bringing our portfolio investment 

to well over 2 billion dollars. The array of programs we offer enhances quality of life for rural 

citizens and strengthens rural communities by creating housing, infrastructure, and economic 

opportunities. Benefits for communities are multiplied when Rural Development resources are 

leveraged with our partners. Rural Development is a great asset in any rural financial toolbox.

Through our state office and six area offices strategically located across Florida and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands, we seek new opportunities to work with citizens, non-profit organizations, faithbased organizations, and local governments to ensure that our resources are effectively used to 

strengthen rural Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Let us know how we can help you.

– Jenna Delattibodier, Acting State Director

Investing in Rural America

FY 07 Investments

Florida & U.S. Virgin Islands 

Single Family Housing

$170.4 million

Community Facilities

$6.8 million

Multi Family Housing

$39.4 million

Water & Waste

$31.5 million

 Business

$20.9 million
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Florida/US VI

USDA Rural Development 

housing programs provide 

affordable options for 

rural Floridians and U.S. 

Virgin Islanders. The 

Single Family Housing 

program works with 

low- to moderateincome individuals and 

families to buy or repair 

homes while the MultiFamily Housing program 

concentrates on rental 

housing for families, 

seniors and farm workers.

I

n FY 2007, USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing program provided more 

than $173 million in direct loans, guaranteed loans and grants, helping over 1,700 rural 

Floridians and U.S. Virgin Islanders buy or repair homes.

Section 502 Guaranteed Loans

Guaranteed loans are available for low and moderate-income people. Applicants may apply with any mortgage lender for the loan. The lender's loan is guaranteed by USDA Rural 

Development. 

Section 502 Direct Loans

USDA Rural Development provides loans to very-low and low-income families and 

individuals to help buy, build or rehabilitate single family dwellings. Qualified applicants 

may also receive payment assistance.

Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants

For very-low income homeowners, this program provides home 

repair loans up to $20,000 and repayment terms as long as 20 

years. Qualifying homeowners age 62 and older may receive grants 

up to $7,500.

Section 523 Self Help Housing Loans and Grants

The self-help housing program provides grants for technical 

assistance and makes site loans available to organizations that 

supervise families in the self-help program.

Florida & U.S. Virgin Islands 

FY 07 Single Family Housing Investment

Achieving the American Dream

Single Family Housing

502 Direct Loan

$45.1 million

504 Loan

$.9 million

502 Loan Guarantee

$111.6 million

EC/EZ

$.3 million

504 Grant

$1.6 million

RHLP

$2.4 million

523 Self Help

$8.6 million
Florida/US VI

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Rural Development’s 

Single Family 

Housing program is vital 

in helping families achieve 

the American Dream of 

homeownership. Owning 

a home connects people 

to their neighbors and 

their neighborhoods, 

strengthening families and 

communities. 

Rural Development partners with 

financial lenders and 

public bodies to bring 

affordable homeownership 

opportunities to residents 

of small towns and 

communities throughout 

Florida and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands. Working in 

partnership with county and 

state housing authorities 

enables Rural Development 

to leverage funding to 

assist as many families as 

possible.

Cecelia "Gigi" Allen and 

Hannah and Steven 

Handwork are two families 

who obtained financing for 

their new homes through 

the collaborative efforts 

of Rural Development, 

working in partnership 

with the St. Johns County 

Housing Authority and the 

Florida Housing Finance 

Corporation.

Housing for Today's Families

Homes, Neighbors, Communities

Rural Development Single Family Housing Program Director Daryl 

Cooper (center) confers with (L - R) St. Johns County Housing 

& Community Services Assistant Director Benjamin Coney, 

Homeownership Manager Dorci Gruel and Director Thomas 

Crawford.

Proud homeowner Cecelia Allen displays the key to her energy star 

efficient home financed through Rural Development's Single Family 

Housing Program.
Florida/US VI

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The Multi Family 

Housing program 

provides families in 

rural communiteis 

affordable housing 

opportunities in nearly 

500 complexes in 

Florida and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands. 

Rural Development’s Multi Family Housing program plays a significant role in ensuring

that rural Floridians and U.S. Virgin Islanders have access to decent and safe rental 

homes. The program oversees 20,800 rental units in nearly 500 apartment complexes 

and provides financial rental assistance to 11,500 families. Apartments are designed for 

very-low to moderate-income individuals and families, senior citizens age 62 and older 

and disabled persons of any age. 

Section 515 Rural Rental Housing Direct Loans

Loans provide financing with interest rates as low as one percent to developers of affordable 

rental housing located in rural areas or communities with populations of 20,000 or less. 

Section 538 Rural Rental Housing Guaranteed Loans

Loans are designed for moderate-income families. Rural 

Development provides guaranteed loans to private lenders who 

finance construction of rural rental housing.

Section 514 and Section 516 Farm Labor Housing 

Loans & Grants

Loand & grant funding is used to build safe, decent, sanitary and affordable housing for farm laborers. 

Section 533 Housing Preservation Grants

Housing Preservation Garnts are provided to nonprofit and 

government organizations to renovate deteriorating homes 

occupied by low- and very-low income persons.

Florida & U.S. Virgin Islands 

FY 07 Multi Family Housing Investment

Apartment living for changing lifestyles

Multi Family Family Housing

Rental Assistance

$31.6 million

514 Loan

$3 million

516 Grant

$3 million

Rental Housing Repair

$1.4 million

Housing Preservation

$.3 million

LH Repair Loans

$.1 million
Florida/US VI

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The Rural Business 

Program offers 

loan guarantees, 

revolving loan 

funds and business 

development grants 

to create and save 

quality jobs. Small 

and emerging 

businesses, lenders, 

cooperatives, 

intermediaries, 

public entities 

and nonprofit 

organizations 

can apply to the 

programs.

Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans (B&I)

 Loans can guarantee up to 80-percent of a private lender’s loan. Funds can be used for working 

capital, machinery and equipment, buildings and real estate.

Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants & Guaranteed 

Loans Program 

Energy grants and loan guarantees help farmers and rural small businesses purchase renewable 

energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. Funds can be used to purchase 

equipment, construction and installation, energy audits and professional service fees.

Value-Added Agricultural Producer Gants

Value-Added grants assist farmers, agricultural cooperatives and farmer-controlled businesses develop 

business and marketing plans for new products or working capital to develop new markets.

Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG)

Grants help finance and facilitate development of small, emerging private businesses. Eligible 

applicants include public bodies, nonprofits and federally recognized tribal groups.

Intermediary Relending Program

The relending program provides loans to qualified intermediaries, who then, lend money to small 

businesses.

Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG)

Grants fund technical assistance, training and planning activities that improve economic conditions 

in rural areas.

Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants

Economic development loans and grants fund electric or telephone utilities financed by the USDA

Rural Utilities Program to establish a revolving loan fund to finance economic development and job 

creation projects for community development, education, medical facilities and 

incubator development.

Rural Cooperative Development Grants

Grants assist in development and improvement of cooperatives through funding 

to non-profit economic development groups and institutions of higher education.

Florida & U.S. Virgin Islands 

FY 07 Business Programs Investment

Helping Rural Economies Thrive

Rural Business Programs

B&I Guarantee

$19.8 million

RBOG

$.2 million

RBEG

$.8 million
Florida/US VI

USDA Rural 

Development's 

Community Programs 

provide funds and 

technical assistance 

for municipal water and 

wastewater systems, 

distance learning 

and telemedicine 

projects and vital 

community facilities 

such as libraries, fire 

departments, child care 

and medical facilities.

Water and Wastewater Loans and Grants

Rural Development administers the Water and Wastewater Loan and Grant Program to improve the quality of life, promote economic development, and 

protect natural resources in Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands in rural areas, 

cities, and towns of 10,000 or less in population per the 2000 census. Rural 

Development also offers Solid Waste Management Grants, as well as technical 

assistance and training grants.

Major renovation and rehabilitation of facilities to meet state regulatory 

requirements were financed in Fiscal Year 2007, as were major system expansions 

to meet growth needs and provide improved service to customers.

Distance Learning/Telemedicine Loans and Grants

Distance Learning/Telemedicine Loans and Grants are also 

administered through Rural Development. This program provides 

loan and grants to corporations, government bodies and rural 

health care providers to begin or expand distance learning and 

telemedicine projects. 

A Rural Broadband loan program, administered by the Rural 

Development National Office, provides funding for broadband 

internet projects. 

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Florida & U.S. Virgin Islands 

FY 07 Rural Utilities Investment

Improving Rural Communities

Rural Utilities Program

Water & Waste Loans

$23.7 million

Water & Waste Grants

$7.7 million
Florida/US VI

The Community 

Facilities Program aids 

in developing essential 

public community 

facilities such as 

schools, libraries, 

childcare centers, 

police, fire and rescue 

stations in rural areas 

that strengthen local 

communities in rural 

Flordia and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands. 

Community facilities such as public safety buildings, health care clinics, police and fire 

stations, schools, and child care centers, are essential to the quality of life in any rural 

community. USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program provides financial 

assistance to help towns and communities of up to 20,000 in population deliver these vital 

services.

Community Facilities Direct and Guaranteed Loans and Grants

Community Facilities Direct and Guaranteed Loans and grants provide financing to 

improve or develop essential community facilities that serve rural areas. Public bodies 

and non-profit corporations are eligible to apply. Funds may be used to construct, enlarge 

or renovate public service facilities, to acquire land needed for a facility, to purchase 

equipment, or pay necessary professional fees.

Through the Community Facilities Program, Rural Development provides 

funding for the Rural Emergency Responders Initiative to specifically 

strengthen the ability of rural communities to respond to local emergencies by 

financing needed equipment and services. 

These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations, and 

recognized Indian tribes. Funds may be used to finance equipment, vehicles, 

and/or buildings for projects such as fire protection, rescue/ambulance, law 

enforcement, civil defense/early warning systems, outpatient care, physician’s 

clinics, migrant health centers, healthcare office buildings, county health 

department offices, mobile/stationary communications, emergency responders, 

hospitals, food preparation distribution centers and animal shelters.

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Florida & U.S. Virgin Islands 

FY 07 Community Facilities Investment

Public Safety, police, fire, medical

Community Facilities Programs

Community Facilities Loans

$6.1 million

Community Facilities Grants

$.8 million
www.rurdev.usda.gov/fl

Rural Development Offices

STATE

4440 N.W. 25th Place (32606)

P.O. Box 147010 (32614)

Gainesvile, Florida

(352) 338-3402

Fax: (352) 338-3405

TTY: (352) 338-3499

Area 1

932 N. Ferdon Blvd

Crestview, Florida 32536

(850) 682-2416

Fax: (850) 682-8731

Area 2

2741 Pennsylvania Ave

Suite 5

Marianna, FL 32448-4014

(850) 526-2610

Fax: (850) 526-7534

Area 3

2303 N.E. Jacksonville Rd

Suite 400

Ocala, FL 34470

(352) 732-7534

Fax: (352) 732-9728

Area 5

2629 Waverly Barn Rd

Suite 129

Davenport, FL 33897

(863) 420-4833

Fax: (863) 424-7333

Area 6

750 South Military Trail

Suite J

West Palm Beach, FL 33415

(561) 683-2285

Fax: (561) 762-1129

3434 Hancock Bridge Pkwy

Suite 209-A

N. Fort Myers, FL 33903-7005

(239) 997-7331

Fax: (239) 997-7557

Area 3 Sub Office

5030 Anchorway

Gallows Bay, Suite 4

St. Croix, VI 00820

(340) 773-9146

Area 6 Sub Office

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil 

Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800)795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

971 N. Duval St

Suite 190

Lake City, FL 32055-3736

(386) 719-5590

Fax: (386) 754-4139

Area 4

SANTA

ROSA

OKALOOSA WALTON

HOLMES JACKSON

CALHOUN

GULF

LIBERTY

FRANKLIN

GADSDEN

LEON

WAKULLA

NASSAU

DUVAL

ST.

JOHNS

CLAY

BAKER

BRAD.

UNION

HAMILTON

SUWANNEE

AIBMUL OC

DIXIE

LEVY

CITRUS

MARION

ALACHUA PUTNAM

FLAGLER

VOLUSIA

SEMINOLE

BREVARD

OSCEOLA

ORANGE

LAKE

SUMTER

HERNANDO

PASCO

HILLSBOROUGH

SALLENIP

POLK

MANATEE HARDEE

DE SOTO

SARASOTA

CHARLOTTE

LEE

COLLIER

HENDRY

MONROE

OKEECHOBEE

INDIAN

RIVER

ST. 

LUCIE

MARTIN

PALM

BEACH

BROWARD

DADE

Marianna

Lake City

West Palm Beach

Christiansted Frederiksted

ST. CROIX

Gallows Bay

ST. JOHN

ST. THOMAS

U. S. Virgin Islands

(Serviced by the Area 3

office in Lake City, FL)

ESCAMBIA

BAY

WAS I H NG OT N

AREA 1

AREA 2

AREA 3

AREA 4 Ocala

AREA 5

AREA 6

TSIRHCLIG

GLADES

Crestview

Davenport

MADISON

TAYLOR

LAFAYETTE

HIGHLANDS

Area Office Jurisdictions

Sub Office

N. Ft. Myers

NOSREFFEJ

Sub Office