Sisseton, SD – June 3, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — USDA Housing and Community Facilities Administrator Tammye Treviño will officially kick off homeownership month in South Dakota on Monday, June 3, 2013 with a series of events and activities starting in Sisseton.
“I am excited to hear from our South Dakota partners and community leaders. I applaud the dedication and hard work of the USDA staff, as well as everyone involved in the development of the successful projects that will be highlighted during the tour,” Treviño said. “USDA Rural Development’s focus has been, and continues to be, the continuation of service – especially in underserved and under-represented areas – for those who live and work in rural communities. The Sisseton Whapton Reservation and surrounding areas provide a great example of state, local and federal governments working together to strengthen the economy.”
Treviño’s visit begins with a meeting with Grow South Dakota representatives and recognition of Robin Weinkauf and family who are first time homebuyers. The Administrator will then travel to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Reservation and visit USDA-financed homes and projects. She will also address attendees at the Sisseton Whapeton Oyate Housing Fair and host a StrikeForce Round Table. USDA recently expanded the StrikeForce initiative to include South Dakota. Its goal is to increase partnerships with rural communities and leverage resources in targeted, persistent poverty areas.
In many cases, USDA housing programs are the only opportunity for rural residents to buy a home – their piece of the American dream. That dream remains the cornerstone for millions of U.S. families. President Obama said in his May 11 weekly radio address that more than 2 million families have lowered their mortgage costs by an average of $3,000 a year through his refinance program (http://www.whitehouse.gov/WeeklyAddress/2013/051113-AKQMXP/051113_WeeklyAddress.mp4).
USDA, its federal partners, members of the housing community and citizens across the country celebrate National Homeownership Month each year to bring attention to the role housing plays in the U.S. economy. This year’s theme, “USDA: Bringing Rural America Home,” underscores housing’s importance to halting the out-migration of rural residents.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.
USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration – the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.
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Contact Tammi Schone (605) 352-1102
