2006 Annual Report

and Program Summary Guide

Louisiana’s
Table of Contents

State Director’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Secretary’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Under Secretary’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Single Family Housing Programs . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Multi-Family Housing Programs . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Business and Cooperative Programs . . . . . . . .8

Community Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Other Funding Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Hurricane Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

USDA Rural Development Contact Information:

See back cover.

Homeownership Opportunities

Affordable Rental Housing

Job Creation/Economic Development

Community Infrastructure/Essential

Facilities

Building communities from the

ground up!

Committed to the

future of rural

communities.
Clyde C. Holloway

State Director

USDA Rural Development - Louisiana

Single Family Housing Programs $139,297,583

Multi-Family Housing Programs $22,305,131

Business and Cooperative

Programs $17,983,200

Community Programs $57,611,314

Total Investment

in Louisiana $237,197,228

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la USDA Rural Development - 2006 Annual Report

Page 1

Dear Readers:

In October 2006, President Bush appointed me as the State Director for USDA

Rural Development in Louisiana. On my first day on the job, I helped break ground

for a new hospital in St. James Parish. USDA Rural Development’s investment in

this hospital included $9 million in direct loan funds and $9 million in guaranteed

loan funds through a local lender.

In the months since my appointment, I have traveled throughout Louisiana for

many other ground breakings, grand openings, and funding presentations for USDA

Rural Development-financed projects—and all projects have one thing in common:

they help rural residents achieve a better quality of life.

In the pages of this 2006 Annual Report, you will find stories of hurricane recovery,

housing security, business expansion, and community development—as well as

statistical evidence of the impact USDA Rural Development is making in Louisiana.

You will also find detailed program information and my personal invitation to you

to consider USDA Rural Development for your housing, business, or community

needs.

USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities.

Helping people, helping communities—that is what we do.

Sincerely,

CLYDE C. HOLLOWAY

State Director

USDA Rural Development

Louisiana Louisiana’s

2006 Investment
In 2006, across this great nation, USDA Rural Development employees made a difference in the lives of

virtually every person who calls rural America home. Whether it’s financing rural renewable energy

projects, guaranteeing a loan for a new business, building or upgrading a rural hospital, construction of a

new community center, laying water lines, remodeling apartments or drilling a well for a senior citizen

living on a homestead, we’re building a more vibrant rural America.

Farm Bill Forums

As I traveled across the country conducting Farm Bill Forums in preparation for the 2007 farm bill, I

heard loud and clear the message of support for USDA’s rural development efforts. Out of hundreds of

hours of discussion and thousands of comments, our rural development programs received nearly

unanimous support.That is a vote of confidence in which the 6,300 men and women of USDA Rural

Development can indeed be proud.

Opportunities for Rural America

Rural America today is changing. Its economy is diversifying. The broadband revolution erases barriers of

time and distance. New industries like renewable energy and biobased products hold exciting potential

for investment and growth. We are working hard to improve rural health care, schools, and other

community facilities, to increase rural homeownership, and to support rural entrepreneurs. The

opportunities and challenges vary from place to place, but one thing remains the same: the commitment

of USDA Rural Development to the future of rural communities.

New Era for America’s Rural Communities

This is a new era for America’s rural communities as evidenced by an amazing happening in St. Louis,

Missouri in early October, when 1,350 leaders from agriculture, industry, and government gathered to

explore ways to move renewable energy production to the next level. Three cabinet level officials,

political leaders from all levels of government, business leaders, community representatives and the media

listened as President Bush spoke, continuing his long standing support for development of renewable

energy from America’s rural areas. The President is strongly committed to renewable energy

development including production of fuel from cellulosic sources like switchgrass. USDA Rural

Development plays a key role in these efforts, along with other USDA agencies, the Department of

Energy, and other federal partners.Together, we are making a real difference.

Building on Accomplishments to Strengthen our Rural Communities

We have accomplished much over the past year and we are eager to build upon those accomplishments

by strengthening even further our rural communities.We remain committed to creating an environment

where future generations will not only live, but thrive in rural America.As we enter 2007, the 50 million

people who live in rural America are developing new opportunities in every area – and I am proud that

USDA Rural Development will continue to be a partner in these efforts, as it has been for more than 70

years.

Mike Johanns

Secretary of Agriculture

Mike Johanns

Secretary

United States Department of Agriculture

USDA Rural Development - 2006 Annual Report http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la

Page 2

Department of Agriculture
For the employees of USDA Rural Development – and the millions of rural Americans they serve – 2006

was a year of achievement and progress. Whether it’s a new biodiesel plant, a medical clinic, energy

efficient corn driers, a wind farm, broadband service or digital TV service for a public broadcasting

station, USDA Rural Development is “connecting the assets” that we’ve provided to rural America. It’s a

lot of money: $76.8 billion since the start of the Bush Administration. This investment represents Rural

Development leading the way to a bright new future for Americans who choose to live in our rural

communities and on our farms. Not only have we invested an average of $13 Billion a year over the last

six years, (a 35% increase over 1998-2000) but we’ve created or saved an estimated 1.5 million American

jobs.

Expanding America’s Energy Options

America’s new fuel industry is rural, it’s diverse, it’s mainstream – and it’s growing fast. All across this

great nation, entrepreneurs with the backing of a firm and reliable government energy policy, as outlined

by President Bush, are making a contribution that expands America’s energy options. In doing so they are

not only providing new sources of energy for our nation, but also creating a new path to wealth creation

for rural America. In the past six years we’ve committed more than $482 million from our business and

utilities programs to over 1,000 renewable energy ventures.

Expanding Homeownership in Rural America

We marked other milestones this year as well. In housing, Rural Development rolled out “GUS”, the

Guaranteed Underwriting System, which will enable the lending community to get a fast and accurate

answer when processing loan applications. We observed an important milestone in our popular “Self

Help” housing program. Started in 1961, this program topped the 40,000 loan mark in 2006, and the

total dollar amount of mortgages made under the program topped $2 billion. We also began the process

of revitalizing our multi-family housing portfolio. Late this year we announced that 78 multi-family housing

developments in 16 states have been selected for inclusion in a demonstration program designed to

preserve and rehabilitate apartment complexes financed through USDA Rural Development.We also

made about $617 million in loans and grants for Community Facilities projects including fire stations,

public safety buildings, community halls, and emergency equipment.

Supporting Improvements to Rural Infrastructure and Businesses

We continued to support improvements to rural electric infrastructure and provided

telecommunications loans, broadband loans and Community Connect broadband grants.We also

provided hundreds of million of dollars in water and environmental loans and grants.We made over $766

million in business loan guarantees and provided over $35 million in funding to producers through the

Value Added Producer Grant program.

Committed to the Future of Rural Communities

Every one of our employees is charged to work with rural communities to create new economic

opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural America while increasing connectivity between rural

development programs, to find ways to bring even greater service to our rural customers.

Working in partnership, a rural renaissance is upon us. At Rural Development, we are committed to the

future of rural communities.

Thomas C. Dorr

Under Secretary

USDA Rural Development

Thomas C. Dorr

Under Secretary

USDA Rural Development

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la USDA Rural Development - 2006 Annual Report

Page 3

Rural Development
USDA Rural Development

Single Family Housing Programs

Increasing homeownership

opportunities in Louisiana

Program Objective Applicant Uses Population Terms/Conditions

Single Family

Housing Direct

Homeownership

Loans

Provide financing for

the purchase of

modest, decent, safe,

and sanitary homes for

very-low and low

income rural

Americans.

Persons apply

to Rural

Development

For the purchase, construction, or

rehabilitation of homes in rural

areas that will be the applicant’s

permanent residence.

Rural areas and

populations of 10,000

or less and under

certain conditions towns

and cities with

population between

10,000 and 20,000

No down-payment. Up to 100% of market value or

cost, whichever is less. Loan amortized for 33

years. Applicant may be eligible for payment

assistance (subsidy) on the loan. New

manufactured housing on permanent foundation

allowable. Loan amortized for 30 years.

Single Family

Housing Home

Repair Loans

and Grants

Assist eligible very-low

income homeowners

in rural areas repair

their homes by

providing financial

assistance.

Persons who

currently own

and occupy

their homes

apply to Rural

Development

Loan funds-To make general

repairs and improvements to

properties and remove health and

safety hazards.

Grant funds-To make repairs and

improvements that will remove

identified health and safety hazards

or to make the property accessible

for household members with

disabilities.

Same as above Loan-Up to 20 years, 1% interest, not to exceed

$20,000.

Grant-Available to those very-low income

homeowners 62 years or older who do not have

repayment ability for a loan. Maximum grant is

$7,500.

Self-Help

Housing Loans

and Technical

Assistance

Grants

Individual homes built

by a group of

applicants, with

construction guidance

of a non-profit

organization

Public bodies

or non-profit

organizations

apply to Rural

Development

to participate in

Self-Help

Program

For the purchase or construction of

homes in rural areas that will be

the applicant’s permanent

residence. Loan applications are

processed on an individual basis

for each participating family. Loan

is for site, material, and skilled

labor.

Same as above The applicant receives a direct loan. The non-profit

housing organization or public body receives grant

assistance to operate and administer a self-help

program. The grant pays administrative expenses

and provides for construction supervision.

Single Family

Housing

Guaranteed

Homeownership

Loans

Assist eligible

moderate income

applicants in buying

their homes by

guaranteeing private

lenders’ loans

Persons apply

to participating

lenders

Loans may be made to purchase

new or existing homes as

applicant’s permanent residence

Same as above 30 year, fixed rate. Interest rate negotiated

between lender and borrower. No down-payment.

If guarantee fee is not included in loan, up to 100%

of market value or cost, whichever is less. If

guarantee fee is included in loan, total loan cannot

exceed 102% LTV. Guarantee fee is 2.0% on new

loans and .5% for refinanced loans. Refinancing

allowed for guaranteed loans and direct loans only.

Single Family Housing

USDA Rural Development - 2006 Annual Report http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la

Page 4
USDA Rural Development is

helping hundreds of rural

Louisiana residents achieve the

dream of homeownership. Our

homeownership loan programs

have helped 1,278 families

purchase a home, 2 families

refinance their homes, and 286

families improve their homes

during 2006.

Equity

Single Family Housing

Programs

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la USDA Rural Development - 2006 Annual Report

Page 5

Direct Homeownership Loan Program (Section 502)

Very Low Income 70 $6,162,626

Low Income 41 $3,868,808

Disaster 205 $21,452,006

Total 316 $31,483,440

Guaranteed Loan Program (Section 502)

Home Repair Loan and Grant Programs (Section 504)

Purchase 242 $24,062,837

Refinance 2 $235,321

Disaster 720 $81,164,471

Total 964 $105,462,629

Self-Help Housing Program (Section 523)

Technical Assistance

Grant 1 $10,000

Loans 40 $284,854

Disaster Loans 79 $621,865

Grants 48 $312,575

Disaster Grants 119 $1,122,220

Total 286 $2,341,514

Single Family Housing Programs

Fiscal Year 2006 Progress

A Year of Recovery!

During August and September 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita left

many residents of Louisiana homeless. In fact, 1.3 million people were

displaced because of the storms. Many were evacuated to other areas

of the United States, and many lived with family and friends in

Louisiana, waiting for an opportunity to return home. USDA Rural

Development single family housing programs are helping hundreds of

families begin to recover from the hurricanes.

New Homeowner

After losing their apartment in Kenner, Louisiana, to Hurricane Katrina,

Fabiana Duarte and her sons evacuated to Florida. When they

returned home to Kenner, they found rental costs too high to be

affordable. Ms. Duarte worked with Allied Home Mortgage Capital

Corporation to secure a USDA Rural Development guaranteed

housing loan.

Ray of Hope at Disaster Recovery Center

Clifton and Jewell Melerin lost their home in St. Bernard Parish to

Hurricane Katrina. They found shelter with their son and 15 others in

Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Just when they thought there was no help

available, Mrs. Melerin learned about USDA Rural Development

housing programs at a local Disaster Recovery Center. The Melerines

found a home in Denham Springs, Louisiana, and financed it through

USDA Rural Development’s direct loan program.

Resettled Evacuee

Mary Martin and her son lost their home in Plaquemines Parish to

Hurricane Katrina. They evacuated to stay with family in Franklin

Parish in northeastern Louisiana. A local realtor told Ms. Martin about

USDA Rural Development, and less than a month later, she was in her

new home. Ms. Martin purchased her home through USDA Rural

Development’s direct loan program.
USDA Rural Development

Multi-Family Housing Programs

Providing affordable housing in

Louisiana’s rural communities

USDA Rural Development - 2006 Annual Report http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la

Page 6

Program Objective Applicant Uses Population Terms/Conditions

Rental Housing for

Families and Elderly

Direct Loans

Safe, well-built, and

affordable rental

housing for rural

Americans

Individuals, profit, and

non-profit organizations.

Apply to Rural

Development

New construction or

substantial rehabilitation

of rental housing

Rural areas and

populations of

20,000 or less

Up to 102% of market value (non-profit). Up to

97% (for profit corporations and limited

partnerships). Amortized up to 50 years. Interest

credit reduces interest rate to 1 percent.

Rental Housing for

Families and Elderly

Loan Guarantees

Safe, well-built, and

affordable rental

housing for rural

Americans

Individuals, profit, and

non-profit organizations.

Apply to intermediary. 

New construction or

substantial rehabilitation

of rental housing

Rural areas and

populations of

20,000 or less

Up to 40-year term. Fixed rate interest rate

negotiated between lender and borrower. Up to

90% guarantee of the appraised value or total

development cost, whichever is less. Application

fee is $2,500. Guarantee fee is 1% at closing.

Annual fee is .5% on unpaid principal.

Housing Preservation

Grants

Repair and rehabilitate

housing owned or

occupied by very-low to

low income rural people

Public bodies and nonprofit corporations apply

to Rural Development

Operate a program

which finances the

repair and rehabilitation

activities

Rural areas and

populations of

20,000 or less

Grant agreement conditions. 

Farm Labor Housing Safe, well-built

affordable rental

housing for farm

workers

Individuals, profit and

non-profit organizations

apply to Rural

Development

New construction or

substantial rehabilitation

of rental housing

Rural areas and

populations of

20,000 or less

Up to 100% of market value.

Up to 33 years at 1% interest.

Multi-Family Housing
Security

Multi-Family Housing Programs

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la USDA Rural Development - 2006 Annual Report

Page 7

Housing With A Heart 

Decent housing, security, affordability, independent living, camaraderie—

all can be found in USDA Rural Development-financed multi-family

housing complexes—plus a whole lot of heart. Whether it is a complex

teaming with families and children or a complex dedicated to the

elderly, you will find a caring manager who diligently works to meet the

needs of the residents.

Each year USDA Rural Development recognizes a site manager of the

year for family and elderly complexes for their outstanding property

management skills. 2006 honorees were: Mary Newell, Chapel Downs

Apartments,Abbeville – family complex; and Renee Mayeux,

Cottonwood Seniors Apartments, Cottonport – elderly complex.

As part of the nomination

process for this award,

tenants are asked to

comment on their managers.

One tenant said,“She loves

her tenants and makes sure

everyone is happy,

comfortable, and satisfied

with their surroundings.”

This personal commitment to

quality property management

is what sets USDA Rural Development-financed multi-family housing

complexes above the rest. Housing with a heart. It makes all the

difference in the world.

Rural Rental Housing Program (Section 515)

Rehabilitation 98 Units $867,991

Rental Assistance Program (Section 521)

Repairs 58 Homes $313,933

Housing Preservation Grants (Section 533)

Family 832 Units $11,479,104

Elderly 699 Units $9,644,103

Total 1,531 Units $21,123,207

Multi-Family Housing Programs

Fiscal Year 2006 Progress

USDA Rural Development’s

multi-family housing loan and

loan guarantee programs make it

possible for families and the

elderly to live in affordable rental

housing in rural areas.

There are 12,567 multi-family

rental units in 397 multi-family

complexes in Louisiana that are

financed by USDA Rural

Development. Many of the

tenants in these complexes are

single heads of households, and

many are elderly or disabled.

The Rural Rental Housing

Program enables very low-, low-,

and moderate-income rural

residents to have access to and

enjoy safe, decent, sanitary

shelter.

As a result of USDA Rural

Development multi-family

housing programs, over 1,531

families benefited from rental

assistance, 98 families are

enjoying improved housing, and

58 elderly families were able to

make critical home repairs in

Louisiana during 2006.
Program Objective Applicant Uses Population Terms/Conditions

Business and

Industry Loan

Guarantees

Create jobs and

stimulate rural

economies by

providing financial

backing for rural

business

Business applies through

eligible lending institutions

Most legal business purposes.

No production agriculture and

related capital expenditures.

Certain other restrictions apply

All areas, except

cities of more

than 50,000 and

their immediately

adjacent urban

areas

Lender and borrower negotiate terms and

interest rate. Rate must be reasonable.

Variable rates and customary interest rates

must be tied to published base rate and

change no more often than quarterly. The

guarantee fee is 2% of the guaranteed

amount.

Rural Business

Opportunity Grants

(RBOG)

Fund technical

assistance and

planning activities in

rural areas for the

purpose of improving

economic conditions

Public bodies, non-profit

corporations, Indian tribes,

and cooperatives can apply

to the Rural Development

State Office in Alexandria,

Louisiana

Technical assistance for

business development and

economic development

planning

All areas, except

cities of more

than 50,000 and

their immediately

adjacent urban

areas

Grant funds to assist with the completion of a

proposed project, provided that the project

can reasonably be expected to be completed

within 2 full years after it has begun.

Rural Business

Enterprise Grants

(RBEG)

Finance and facilitate

the development of

small and emerging

private business

enterprises

Public bodies and non-profit

corporations can apply to the

Rural Development State

Office in Alexandria,

Louisiana

Buy and develop land.

Construct buildings, plants,

equipment, access streets, and

roads, parking areas, utility

and service extensions, rural

distance learning networks.

Recipients make loans to third

parties.

All areas, except

cities of more

than 50,000 and

their immediately

adjacent urban

areas

When grant funds are used for Revolving

Loan Fund (RLF), the grant recipient makes

loans to businesses from its RLF on terms

consistent with grantee’s approved lending

policy.

Intermediary

Relending

Program (IRP)

Loans

Finance business

facilities and

community

development projects

in rural areas

Public bodies, non-profit

corporations, and

cooperatives can apply to

Rural Development State

Office in Alexandria,

Louisiana

Community development

projects. Establishment or

expansion of businesses.

Creating or saving rural jobs.

Rural areas and

places with

populations of

less than 25,000

The intermediary makes loans to businesses

from its Revolving Loan Fund on terms

consistent with the intermediary’s approved

lending policy.

Rural Economic

Development

Loans and Grants

(REDLG)

Finance economic

development and job

creation in rural

areas

Electric and telephone

cooperatives can apply to

Rural Development State

Office in Alexandria,

Louisiana

Business startup or expansion

projects that create rural jobs.

Funds may also be utilized for

construction of business

assistance facilities by the

electric or telephone

cooperative

Rural areas and

places with

populations of

2,500 or less

The intermediary (electric or telephone

cooperative) makes loans or grants to profit or

nonprofit business and public bodies for rural

economic development and/or job creation

projects.

USDA Rural Development Business and Cooperative

Business and Cooperative Programs

Creating jobs and strengthening

the economy in Louisiana

USDA Rural Development - 2006 Annual Report http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la

Page 8
A Taste of Louisiana

When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita sent Louisiana’s citizens across the United States

looking for safe shelter, Louisiana’s citizens began looking for Louisiana products in

grocery stores from Maine to California—many times unsuccessfully. Soon orders

came pouring in from throughout the nation to Savoie’s Sausage and Food Products

in Opelousas, Louisiana, for Louisiana food products. The demand was greater than

the company could provide.

To meet increased demand for Louisiana food products, Savoie’s received a $2.5

million USDA Rural Development Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan through

Teche Federal Bank in Opelousas, Louisiana. The USDA Rural Development

guaranteed loan funds were used to restructure existing debt, purchase equipment,

and provide working capital.

USDA Rural Development guaranteed loan funds helped to create 42 jobs and save

75 jobs. Because this funding was available, Savoie’s now sells link Cajun sausage,

dressing mix, roux, and other Cajun culture products to a national market.

Opportunity

Business and Cooperative Programs

Through our business and

cooperative programs,

USDA Rural Development is

helping to build and expand

Louisiana’s workforce.

During 2006, 410 jobs were

created and/or saved by

$17.98 million in USDA

Rural Development business

program funding. This

funding assisted rural

communities to achieve

economic development and

job creation goals.

Business and Cooperative Programs

Fiscal Year 2006 Progress

Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan 5 Loans $17,000,000

Rural Business Enterprise Grant 9 Grants $689,300

Rural Business Opportunity Grant 2 Grants $75,000

Value-Added Producer Grant 2 Grants $103,900

1890 Cooperative Agreement 1 Grant $115,000

Total 19 Projects $17,983,200

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la USDA Rural Development - 2006 Annual Report

Page 9
USDA Rural Development

Community Programs

Improving the quality of life in

rural Louisiana

USDA Rural Development - 2006 Annual Report http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la

Page 10

Program Objective Applicant Uses Population Terms/Conditions

Water and

Waste Disposal

Direct Loans

and Grants

Providing infrastructure

for rural areas

Public entities, Indian tribes,

and non-profit corporations

apply to Rural Development

Build, repair, improve

public water systems

and waste collection and

treatment systems, and

other related costs

Unincorporated rural

areas and incorporated

rural areas with

populations of 10,000 or

less

Interest rates are set quarterly based on an

index of current market yields for municipal

obligations. Repayment term is a maximum of

40 years. Grant funds may be available.

Water and

Waste Disposal

Loan

Guarantees

Providing infrastructure

for rural areas

Eligible lenders obtain

guarantee for loans made

and serviced by them.

Lenders should contact the

Rural Development Area

Office or State Office

Construct, repair, modify,

expand, improve water

supply and distribution

systems, and waste

collection and treatment

systems, and other

related costs

Unincorporated rural

areas and incorporated

rural areas with

populations of 10,000 or

less

Not eligible for grant. Eligible lenders obtain

up to a 90% guarantee for loans made and

serviced by them. Lenders should contact

Rural Development Area or State Offices.

Guarantee fee is 1 percent of guaranteed loan

amount.

Community

Facilities Loans,

Loan

Guarantees,

and Grants

Provide essential

community facilities for

rural communities

Public bodies, non-profit

corps, and federally

recognized Indian Tribes.

For Direct loans and grants

apply to Rural Development.

For Guaranteed loans, apply

to lender

Build facilities, purchase

equipment, fund

operating costs; fire and

rescue;

telecommunications for

schools, libraries,

hospitals, recreation

activities with

guaranteed loan only

Unincorporated rural

areas and incorporated

rural areas with

populations of 20,000 or

less

Up to 100% of market value.

Up to 40 years or life of security.

Guarantee fee is 1 percent of guaranteed loan

amount.

Community
Progress

Community Programs

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Page11

Expanding populations in rural

areas dictate the need for new,

improved, or expanded

community facilities and water

and/or waste water systems.

USDA Rural Development helps

communities address these

needs by providing loan and

grant funding to construct,

improve, or expand community

facilities and infrastructure.

Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loans, Guarantees, and Grants

Loans 30 $24,338,200

Grants 22 $12,120,046

Total 52 $36,458,246

Solid Waste Management Grant

Grants 2 $622,015

Distance Learning/Telemedicine Grants

Grant 1 $99,000

Community Facilities Direct Loans, Guarantees, and Grants

Loans 11 $9,174,100

Guarantees 2 $2,400,000

Grants 30 $2,460,953

Total 43 $14,035,053

Electric Program Loans and Loan Guarantees

Loans 1 $5,897,000

Community Programs

Fiscal Year 2006 Progress

A+ for Investment

Glencoe Charter School

After the hurricanes of 2005, St. Mary Parish experienced a population

growth that caused a strain on the public school system—there was

not enough classroom space for all the students. Glencoe Education

Foundation stepped up to the challenge and, with a $1.6 million USDA

Rural Development community facilities direct loan and a $1 million

USDA Rural Development community facilities guaranteed loan

through the First National Bank of Jeanerette, the Foundation will

construct a new elementary school to house grades K-4. This USDA

Rural Development investment will pay dividends for the students of

St. Mary Parish for many years to come.

Franklin Foundation Hospital

St. Mary Parish will soon have a new state of the art hospital to serve

its residents. During fiscal year 2006, ground was broken and

construction began on the new $17.6 million, 65,000-square-foot, 22-

bed critical access hospital. USDA Rural Development’s investment in

this project includes a $5 million direct loan and $7.6 million in

guaranteed loan funds through a local bank. The State of Louisiana is

providing $5 million in capital outlay funding.

Grant 1 $500,000

Technical Assistance and Training Grant
USDA Rural Development - 2006 Annual Report http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la

Page 12

Other Funding

Opportunities

Program Objective Applicant Uses Population Terms/Conditions

Renewable

Energy

Systems and

Energy

Efficiency

Improvements

Grant

To purchase renewable

energy systems and

make energy

improvements for

agricultural producers

and rural small

businesses.

Applicants must be an agricultural

producer or rural small business.

To pay up to 25 percent of the

eligible project costs for

renewable energy systems or

energy improvements.

Not within a city or

town having a

population of

50,000 or more

and the urbanized

area contiguous

and adjacent to

such city or town.

The maximum award per

grant is $250,000 for energy

efficient projects and $500,000

for renewable energy projects.

The maximum amount of

grant assistance to one

individual or entity will not

exceed $750,000.

Value-Added

Producer Grants

(VAPG)

To encourage

independent producers

of agricultural

commodities to further

refine these products

increasing their value to

end users.

Eligible applicants are independent

producers, farmer and rancher

cooperatives, agricultural producer groups,

and majority-controlled producer-based

business ventures.

Grants may be used for planning

activities and for working capital

for marketing value-added

agricultural products and for farmbased renewable energy.

Must be an eligible

applicant.

The maximum planning 

grant is $100,000. The

maximum working capital 

grant is $300,000. Requires

50 percent match.

Section 525

Technical and

Supervisory

Assistance

(TSA) Grants

To help eligible

organizations conduct

programs of technical

and supervisory

assistance for lowincome rural residents

to obtain and/or

maintain occupancy of

adequate housing.

A public or private non-profit corporation,

agency, institution, or Indian tribe.

To provide homeownership and

financial counseling to reduce

both the potential for delinquency

by loan applicants and the level of

payment delinquency by present

borrowers. To facilitate the

delivery of housing programs to

serve the most needy low-income

families in rural areas.

Rural areas and

populations of

10,000 or less

and under certain

conditions towns

and cities with

population

between 10,000

and 20,000.

Amount of grant award

depends on funds available.

This information is announced

through Notices of Funds

Availability (NOFAs) in the

Federal Register.

The maximum award per

grant is $100,000.

Rural

Community

Development

Initiative (RCDI)

Provide financial and

technical assistance to

recipients to develop

their capacity and

ability to undertake

projects related to

housing, community

facilities, or community

and economic

development.

Public bodies, non-profit corporations, and

federally-recognized tribal communities.

Provide technical assistance

financial assistance, training, and

purchase of eligible equipment to

meet program objectives.

Unincorporated

rural areas and

incorporated rural

areas with

populations of

20,000 or less.

Requires dollar for dollar cash

match.

Distance

Learning and

Telemedicine

Loans and

Grants (DLT)

Development and

deployment of

advanced

telecommunication

services throughout

rural Louisiana.

Organizations, municipalities, or a Rural

Utilities Service electric or

telecommunications borrower which

operates, or will operate an educational

institution, including a regional educational

laboratory, library, hospital, medical center,

medical clinic, or any rural community

facility; rural schools; libraries; health care

clinics; and other organizations that

operate educational or health care

facilities.

Equipment for classrooms:

cameras, video monitors,

computers, and LAN; and for

physician consultation, radiology,

x-ray scanners, and digital

microscopes.

Rural areas. Loans are Treasury Rate for

10 years and grants require a

15 percent cash or in-kind

match.

Rural

Broadband

Access Loans

and Loan

Guarantees

To expand and improve

broadband access for

rural areas of

Louisiana.

Cooperatives, non-profit, limited dividend

or mutual associations, limited dividend

companies, commercial organizations, and

Indian tribes and tribal organizations

legally organized to provide broadband

services in eligible rural communities.

Construct, lease, and acquire

facilities and equipment to provide

broadband services to eligible

rural communities.

Unincorporated

rural areas and

incorporated rural

areas with

populations of

20,000 or less.

Direct loans are available for

direct-cost-of-money or for 4

percent. Loan guarantees are

negotiated with the lender.

USDA Rural Development announces the availability of money for many of its programs in the Federal Register,

through Notices of Funds Availability (NOFA). Each NOFA lists the application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and

places you can get more help in applying for program dollars. Funding for the programs listed below is based on the

USDA Rural Development annual budget, and programs listed may not be funded every year. If funding becomes

available, a NOFA is issued in the Federal Register. For a list of funding notices for the current year, visit the following

web site: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/nofas/index.html. Search the Federal Register web site at:

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html.

“Please give us a call or visit our web site to learn more

about USDA Rural Development funding opportunities.

We want to help you and your community. Our contact

information is on the back cover of this report.“

CLYDE C. HOLLOWAY

State Director - USDA Rural Development - Louisiana
As a result, the following has been accomplished in hurricane-impacted areas: (as of May 31, 2007)

• 351 single family housing direct loans loans obligated for $37,915,952

• 150 single family housing home repair loans obligated for $1,067,459

• 348 single family housing home repair grants obligated for $4,060,357

• 1,388 single family housing guaranteed rural housing loans obligated for $161,197,926

• 8 community facilities loans obligated for $13,773,000

• 22 community facilities grants obligated for $7,725,000

• 2 water and waste grants obligated for $4,471,000 

• Obligated 228 units of emergency rental assistance ($364,918)

• Provided shelter for 1,117 families after the hurricanes. 444 of these families still reside in our complexes.

• 11 business grants for $1,038,450

• 3 business and industry guaranteed loans for $32,000,000

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la USDA Rural Development - 2006 Annual Report

Page 13

Hurricane Recovery

8.29.2005 Katrina

9.24.2005 Rita

It has been reported that Hurricane Katrina was one of the costliest and

deadliest hurricanes to hit the United States, and Hurricane Rita was the

fourth-most intense and the third most expensive hurricane ever recorded

to hit the United States.

In 2005, both made landfall in Louisiana, leaving a path of destruction that

even today, people are still clearing rubble and trying to rebuild their

homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and lives.

USDA Rural Development Response

USDA Rural Development responded to the needs of Louisiana’s rural residents

and communities with supplemental funding and increased outreach in disasterimpacted areas.
Contact Us

Area I

Monroe Area Office

2410 Old Sterlington Road, Suite C

Monroe, Louisiana 71203

Telephone: (318) 343-4467

Parishes Served:

Caldwell, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, East Carroll,

Franklin, Jackson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse,

Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll

Area II

Natchitoches Area Office

6949 Louisiana Highway 1 Bypass, Suite 103

Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457

Telephone: (318) 352-7100

Parishes Served:

Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, Grant,

Natchitoches, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, Vernon,

Webster, and Winn

Area III

Lafayette Area Office

Whitney National Bank Building

905 Jefferson Street, Suite 320

Lafayette, Louisiana 70501-7913

Telephone: (337) 262-6601

Parishes Served:

Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron,

Evangeline, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, 

Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and

Vermilion

Area IV

Amite Area Office

805 West Oak Street, Room 3

Amite, Louisiana 70422

Telephone: (985) 748-8751

Parishes Served:

Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East

Feliciana, Jefferson, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston,

Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, 

St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, 

St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington,

West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana

Visit our webpage at:

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la/

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its

programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age,

disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental

status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs,

reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any

public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of

program information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact

USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

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). USDA is an equal

opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

State Office

3727 Government Street

Alexandria, Louisiana 71302

Telephone: (318) 473-7921

Fax: (318) 473-7829