USDA Rural Development Offers Home Repair Loan

Although summertime is in full swing, all too soon cooler temperatures will be here with the long, cold and sometimes hazardous months of Wisconsin winter. Frank Frassetto, State Director for USDA Rural Development, reminds Wisconsin’s rural citizens to evaluate the condition of their homes now and to take action in making necessary repairs.

“Now is the time to prepare your home for the upcoming season. Rural Development is able to help with low-interest loans for eligible families to make needed repairs they otherwise could not afford,” comments Frassetto.

Low interest loans are available now to very low-income rural residents who own and occupy a dwelling in need of repair or modernization. The loan carries a 1 percent interest rate and may be repaid over a 20-year period. Examples of eligible repairs include repair or replacement of storm doors, windows, steps, furnaces, water heaters or roofs. Funds can also be used for insulation, electrical work, plumbing, septic and water systems, in addition to providing accessibility for persons with disabilities.

USDA Rural Development’s Northeast Wisconsin office can be reached at 715.524.8522, ext. 4 or [email protected]. Further information on Rural Development programs is also available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/wi.