DELEGATE MOYLAN ANNOUNCES APPROVAL OF OVER $300,000 IN GRANTS AND LOANS FOR THE SECTION 504 PROGRAM

(Hagatna, Guam) The Office of Delegate James Moylan is happy to announce that the first set of applications for the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Section 504 Program have been approved, and that awardees shall be contacted by USDA’s office to coordinate the collection of their checks. The initial batch includes 10 applications with a total of $307,035 in grants and loans ($150,000 in grants and $157,035 in loans, to be specific).

The Section 504 Program provides eligible manamko with a certain household income the opportunity to avail up to $15,000 in grants and loans amounts up to $40,000 to make needed improvements towards their homes.

The process includes an initial information intake, which Delegate Moylan’s office coordinated with USDA and several mayor offices. USDA would then determine pre-eligibility based on the data provided and would advise those on that list to complete an application and provide needed documents. Preliminary estimations indicated that nearly 400 applicants may have been pre- eligible.

“We are happy to share this news, and more excited for the applicants who can make much needed repairs to improve the conditions of their homes. Whether it is to secure shutters, address safety concerns around their homes, or to repair bathrooms or kitchens, we want to thank the Guam USDA office, along with our district team, and mayors, for their efforts in helping the manamko,” stated Delegate Moylan. “We look forward to additional approvals in the coming weeks, as this would not only help families, but also assist in infusing millions more into our economy. Contractors will certainly be seeking employees for these projects, and our tax base will be supplemented,” added Delegate Moylan.

In 2023, Delegate Moylan sat with the leadership of the USDA office in Hawaii to discuss bringing additional programs to assist Guam residents and to supplement the Guam USDA office with additional assistance. Delegate Moylan also indicated his intention of separating the Guam USDA office from the Hawaii office, to allow for greater autonomy and resources. Amendments have been submitted in both the House versions of the FARM Bill and the Agriculture Appropriations Bill. Section 504 was the initial program provided.

"While we are certainly happy to get the update on the initial applicant approvals, we are also a bit disappointed with the actions, rather the inactions of the Hawaii USDA office which oversees the Guam office. Due to the lack of manpower, support, and other factors, the process was delayed, and applicants were not provided timely updates. We will be pursuing changes so that these conducts are not repeated moving forward,” added Delegate Moylan.

END OF STATEMENT