Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack say the USDA is quick to deploy personnel and resourcefulness to assist the effort of federal , state and local dominance in response to Hurricane Irene .
“ Our opinion and orison go out to all who have suffered losses cause by this massive storm , ” Vilsack says . “ USDA is ready to provide food , emergency brake assistance and other resources to the affected domain . We continue to closely coordinate with many partners to adjoin the immediate and plan for the recollective - term needs of those affected by Hurricane Irene . ”
Farmer and Rancher AssistanceThe USDA is boost James Leonard Farmer who have crop or strong-arm damage , to get through their local Farm Service Agency service midpoint as shortly as possible .
The moved nation and county emergency board , chaired by the USDA FSA , are assist with the Hurricane Irene response efforts and cursorily assess farming needs and determining the storm ’s impact oncrops . hand brake loans are available to farmers through the FSA ’s Emergency Loan Program , which provide scummy - interest EM loans for crop andlivestock productionand forcible loss . The loans are available in counties categorize under a presidential declaration or secretarial catastrophe designation .
Assistance also might be useable through the FSA Emergency Conservation Program funds , subject to the availability of funds . Sign - up for ECP investment firm will be held in FSA State Committee - pass locations . software will be process subject to useable funding . Fannie Farmer and rancher also might restrict for assistance for any crop or farm animal losses if they contact certain eligibility requirements .
help is useable through the following FSA aid programme :
assist also is available for harvest producer who previously buy craw insurance through program offer by the USDA Risk Management Agency . RMA is prepared to authorize emergency - loss procedures that streamline , on a crop specific base , certain deprivation determinations and payments .
Additionally , USDA staff is coordinating tight with agricultural manufacture representatives to address specific need as they come up .
Housing AssistanceUSDA Rural Developmentis promote occupier affected by Hurricane Irene to immediately lend oneself for financial backing assistance under rural , single - family line housing loan and grant programs . Funds are available for housing repair , rehabilitation and home purchases . For base financing , USDA will assist with expediting lender approval and blessing for admittance to the Guaranteed Underwriting Services and offer streamlined loan processing . soul needing defrayal assistance on their existing USDA Rural Development single and multi - family loans are encouraged to reach out to the Centralized Servicing Center at 800 - 414 - 1226 .
Community AssistanceThe USDA ’s Natural Resources Conservation Service state of matter mental process are prepared to work with local communities to determine Emergency Watershed Protection asking in Hurricane Irene tragedy areas . The program provides technical and fiscal help to preserve life and property threatened by excessive corrosion and implosion therapy . Owners , handler and user of public , individual or tribal lands are eligible for EWP assist if their watershed area has been damage .
The NRCS can fund quick action necessary to address threat to life or property ( exigencies ) . Exigency monetary fund are provided and O.K. chop-chop to subside the threat to spirit and property that exists as a result of storm or flooding . For example , exigency backing can be used to absent flow blockages and debris . Debris can include twisted tree and other woodsy vegetation as well as home building material . The removal of stream debris is important because obstacle increase the risk of flooding thus the further peril to life and property . Other conditions where EWP exigency funds can be used admit embankment stabilization and eroding mastery around culvert or bridge of open road . If these areas are not protect and stabilise after a violent storm or flooding there is increased threat to liveliness and property .
The USDA encourages Farmer , ranchers , producers , landowners and rural communities to contact their local Rural Development office for housing , business or residential district assistance information or their local NRCS office for help with dust remotion .
Additional data about these assist programs , prophylactic tips and update about USDA ’s hurricane - easing movement are posted on theUSDA website . tap the hurricane relief link .
