Federal loans to aid flooded Kauai farms
Kauai and Oahu farmers hit the hardest by the heavy rain in February and March will be eligible for federal low-interest loans as part of yesterday's U.S. Department of Agriculture disaster declaration.
The Farm Service Agency will offer a variety of programs including low-interest emergency loans to farmers who suffered production and crop losses due to rain, winds and flooding on Kauai and Oahu between Feb. 20 and March 26.
Those interested need to fill out applications at their local Farm Service offices on Kauai and Oahu by Dec. 26. People may contact the offices for eligibility requirements and application procedures. Additional information is also available online at the Farm Service Agency Web site.
Yesterday, Gov. Linda Lingle also extended the emergency flood proclamation so the state could continue to inspect and repair dams across the state, including the work being done at the Kailua Reservoir.
The proclamation, first signed after the March 14 Ka Loko Dam breach on Kauai, allows inspections to continue on private land and allows work to begin on any reservoir found to be severely damaged and endangering public safety.
It will remain in effect until all the reservoirs and dams are inspected and work is completed so they do not pose a threat, officials said.
FOR FEDERAL DISASTER LOANS
Honolulu County Farm Service Agency office
Phone: 483-8600, ext. 2
Fax: 483-8615
Kauai County Farm Service Agency office
Phone: 245-9014, ext. 2
Fax: 808-246-4639
On the Web: disaster.fsa.usda.gov
FOR STATE AGRICULTURAL LOANS
On Oahu, Agricultural Loan Division
973-9460
On Kauai, Department of Agriculture
274-3069
On the Net: www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/agl_qfarm.htm
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