U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns recently announced the availability of $1 million for grants for rural residents to obtain affordable, suitable housing. Rural Development State Director Mike Aube said, “Maine organizations have successfully utilized technical and supervisory grants in prior years to help people learn how they can expand their horizons and make progress towards homeownership.” USDA is targeting $400,000 for grants to areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas affected by 2005 hurricanes. Other states can apply for the remainder.