Government

USDA Making Grants of Up to $40,675 Available for People in USVI Impacted by Massive Sargassum Influx in 2022

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands State Director Lakeisha Hood today announced the availability of grants to help people repair their homes that were damaged by the water shortage and the health impacts from the unprecedented sargassum seagrass influx in 2022. According to the USDA, the homes must be located in presidentially declared disaster areas. Residents of St. Croix Island may be eligible for the funding. “When an unexpected crisis impacts our lives, it reminds us of our connection to our communities and to the places we call home,” Ms. Hood said. “That’s why the Biden-Harris Administration and USDA stand ready to help hundreds of people in the U.S. Virgin Islands access the resources they need to rebuild their homes, their communities and their lives.” The grants are being made available through supplemental disaster funding under the Rural Disaster Home Repair Grant Program. Through this program, people may apply...