Rep. Courtney Highlights USDA Efforts to Identify Servicing Options for Certain Homeowners Impacted by Crumbling Foundations Crisis | Congressman Joe Courtney
Skip to main content

Rep. Courtney Highlights USDA Efforts to Identify Servicing Options for Certain Homeowners Impacted by Crumbling Foundations Crisis

July 10, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) confirmed that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is another federal partner working to assist eastern Connecticut homeowners impacted by the crumbling foundation crisis, and that the agency will work to assist certain impacted homeowners who have home mortgages backed by the USDA. The announcement comes following requests from Congressman Courtney that the agency work to find ways to assist homeowners who have home mortgages financed through the USDA's Rural Development programs.

"We need all of the resources we can muster to help homeowners and others impacted by the crumbling foundations crisis in eastern Connecticut," said Congressman Courtney. "Following months of encouraging them to do so, it's welcome news that the USDA has decided to avail its Customer Service Center to folks in our region whose mortgages are backed through their Rural Development programs, and that USDA resources to assist in home repairs could soon be available to qualified homeowners. We have a long way to go before all of our neighbors impacted by this crisis are made whole, but today's announcement means that the USDA will continue to be a viable resource for eastern Connecticut homeowners."

In a letter provided to Congressman Courtney's office, George E. Krivda, the USDA State Director for Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, notes that "[…] it has come to the attention of USDA that many homes built in Connecticut with poured concrete foundations may be adversely impacted by the presence of pyrrhotite in the aggregate used at the time of construction. The presence of this mineral may lead to cracks, holes and other damage to a home's foundation that can have a structural impact on the dwelling." In addition to recommending that impacted homeowners visit the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection for assistance, Krivda also writes that "USDA encourages [homeowners] to contact our Customer Service Center to discuss possible servicing options relevant to your situation," and that "[…] loans for repairs to your home may be available through our programs."

To read a copy of the letter provided to Rep. Courtney by the USDA, click here.

###