Federal effort seeks to bolster home ownership

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is launching a pilot program to increase homeownership opportunities on tribal lands.

“To thrive, rural America needs a creative and forward-thinking partner in USDA,” Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett said.

USDA has helped nearly 4 million rural residents purchase homes since passage of the Housing Act of 1949. However, homeownership rates on tribal lands historically have been significantly lower than those for other communities, the department said.

The pilot program will begin this summer. USDA Rural Development’s state office in Huron, South Dakota will oversee the initiative.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community services such as schools, public safety and health care and high-speed internet access in rural areas.

For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov