Complex is expected to be completed in summer 2010 in Madras, Ore.

By MITCH LIES

Capital Press

MADRAS, Ore. -- A farmworker housing project six years in the making is a step closer to completion after a ground-breaking ceremony Sept. 9 in Madras.

The 24-unit Canyon East housing project is designed to provide affordable rental housing for farmworkers and their families.

The project received financial backing from several sources, including more than $3 million in grants and loans from USDA Rural Development.

Oregon director of USDA Rural Development Vicki Walker said she lobbied hard to secure the funding from USDA administrators.

"(Walker) moved barriers," said Cyndi Cook, of Housing Works, a Central Oregon community housing organization that has worked from the outset on the project. "Her and her staff were totally committed to getting this done."

The federal dollars have been leveraged with just over $1 million from Oregon Housing and Community Services.

Community and Shelter Assistance Corp. of Oregon also was involved in the project.

When completed, the project will include two-, three- and four-bedroom units and community buildings on 1.83 acres in north Madras.

Plans are to complete construction next summer.