CENTREVILLE &045; A local representative of the USDA Rural Development Agency told Centreville aldermen Tuesday that an assortment of grants and loans are available to low income residents, as well as area businesses and municipalities.

&uot;We just want to let you know that we are here, and if you decide to apply for assistance through our program, we can assist you with that,&uot; said RDA community development manager Douglas Harris.

Seniors over 62 and other residents with low incomes may qualify for up to $7,500 in grants to improve or repair their housing conditions.

Additionally, those low income residents may qualify to borrow up to $20,000 at one percent interest for home improvements, Harris said.

&uot;If you know of people in your community that need help, send them by &045; we will try to help them,&uot; Harris said.

The RDA also loans money to build, buy and repair homes at a regular rate of six percent for individuals in higher income brackets.

Some homeowners can qualify to borrow up to $7,500 without taking out a mortgage on their homes, Harris said.

The RDA also provides loan and grant opportunities to communities for improvements to water and sewer systems, and some existing businesses can also qualify for loans, Harris said.

&uot;The business loans are usually approved for companies who are looking to expand their operations and hire more people, making a positive impact on the community,&uot; Harris said.

In other action, the board received one bid in the amount of $9,418 from General Pumps and Equipment of Jackson for a new aerator pump for the south sewage lagoon. The board voted to take the bid under advisement until additional quotes can be obtained.