WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (both D-MD) announced today that the USDA Rural Development has awarded Garrett County Maryland Community Action Committee, Inc. a $35,377 Housing Preservation Grant to aid low-income homeowners in Garrett County, Maryland.

“I am committed to looking out for the day-to-day needs of Marylanders,” said Senator Mikulski. “This grant will mean safer and sturdier homes for more Garrett County residents. I will continue to fight in the U.S. Senate for grants like these that support Maryland communities.”

“The poor state of our economy has squeezed many homeowners to the brink of their budgets, forcing them to choose between daily expenses and the very upkeep of their homes,” said Senator Cardin. “I am proud of grants like this that will make it possible for low-income homeowners to properly repair their homes, maintain their stake in the American Dream, and boost the entire community.”

The grant will provide low interest or deferred loans to very low and low income homeowners to repair their homes and remove substandard conditions in Garrett County. Garrett County has an approximate population of 30,000 residents with a mean household income of $32,238. Garrett County has 16,761 housing units.

The Rural Development program was created to improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. The program helps support essential services and infrastructure improvements, and promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools