Goshen, N.Y. – May 7, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Community Development Director Richard Mayfield are pleased to announce that once again applications are being accepted for the popular farmworker housing program.
“This program has been an enormous benefit to the Orange County agriculture community for the past 23 years.” Neuhaus said. “Orange County is committed to assisting our farmers in any way possible and I would encourage those engaging in agricultural activities to investigate this program.”
Added Paul Ruszkiewicz, Chairman of the Orange County Legislature’s Education and Economic Development Committee: “I support this program and efforts made by the County and Community Development to provide safe, affordable housing for our farmworkers. This program makes a difference in the lives of farmers who want to provide housing but may not always have access to the funds they need.”
Ruszkiewicz is a fourth generation farmer. He and his father, John, own and operate John Ruszkiewicz Farms in Pine Island. The farm produces onions, winter squash, corn and soy beans.
“Orange County farmers who are owners of existing seasonal or year-round farmworker housing may be eligible for deferred grants to repair and upgrade housing occupied by low income farmworkers. The County’s Community Development provides up to 75 percent of the cost of rehabilitation with the farmer providing the remaining 25 percent match,” Mayfield said. “I would like to thank the County for their assistance and commitment to our program and its objectives.”
Individuals interested in receiving an application or seeking additional information are encouraged to contact Liz Dietz at 845.615.3815 or via email at ldietz (at) orangecountygov (dot) com.
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