The Department of Agriculture has restored funds to a program that helps Indian farmers and ranchers in 28 states obtain loans.

The USDA Farm Service Agency and the National Tribal Development Association in Montana signed an agreement that will keep the program running through the end of October. Concerns had been raised about how money was being handled, and they are being addressed, an FSA director said.

NTDA had informed the agency of a former employee who may have misused funds. That triggered a closer look at the way NTDA was using federal dollars.

Get the Story:
Indian help program gets funds reinstated (The Billings Gazette 1/29)

Relevant Links:
National Tribal Development Association - http://www.indiancreditoutreach.com

Related Stories:
USDA suspends support for Indian loan program (01/15)