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For Immediate
Release
10/27/11
Yaw to Introduce Measure Creating Agriculture Disaster
Recovery Program
HARRISBURG - With the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Irene and
Tropical Storm Lee, State Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) will be introducing
legislation to further assist agricultural operations in times of disaster that
cause significant crop loss and damage.
The legislative measure will establish the 'Agriculture Disaster Recovery
Program' to be administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
"This program will offer increased flexibility and assistance to producers,
not only today but in the future, who are facing income and production-related
losses as a direct result of an agricultural disaster." Yaw said.
"Implementation of this program will also assist those left devastated from
Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee."
Components of the program will include a 100 percent guarantee provided by
the Commonwealth through the First Industries Loan Program and the creation of
an "Interest Buy-Down Program" within the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
which is capped at four percent for the agricultural operation, providing for
zero interest loans.
Funding will be provided for the following program guidelines: Working
Capital, Land Contamination Remediation and Land Restoration, which will include
floodway restoration and the removal of debris and/or obstructions in order to
stabilize and restore the integrity of a creek, stream or waterway.
The Agriculture Disaster Recovery Program will be open for a six month period
for application following a Presidential, USDA and/or Commonwealth disaster
declaration in any county or the Commonwealth as a whole.
"In addition to the flood relief package unveiled last month, this
legislation will serve as a measure to assist and support our number one
industry, agriculture." Yaw added.
Contact:
Nick Troutman
(717) 787-3280
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