Point Reyes Light - November 13, 2003
RCD proposed new plan for ranchworker housing
By Ian Fein
Directors of the Point Reyes Station-based Marin Resource Conservation District abandoned their pursuit of a state grant for affordable ranchworker housing last month, and "decided to look into low-interest loans instead," executive director Nancy Scolari told The Light Tuesday.
The district applied for grant money available through the Joe Serna Junior Farmworker Housing Program last summer, but "just missed the cut-off because [county] septic costs were too high," Scolari said.
The state requested that RCD resubmit its application, but while directors deliberated whether to do so, they learned that certain aspects of the grant program were undesirable for the situation in West Marin.
In order to receive grant money, individual ranchowners would not have a choice of tenants. Under the direction of the program, a West Marin rancher could have been forced to house workers from a competing ranch.
"We didn’t think that would be an appropriate situation for all the ranchers," Scolari said "The low-interest loan seemed more appropriate."
Scolari said RCD is waiting to hear back from the state about the loan’s details.