PORTAGE (WKZO) -- The USDA is rolling out their Rural Refinance Pilot Program to help homeowners in rural areas that find themselves underwater on their mortgage.

Deputy Undersecretary Doug O'Brien says they help finance many homes in smaller towns in rural areas.  They want to give homeowners that have kept up on their mortgage for the last twelve months a chance to refinance.

The hope is that waiving paperwork and cutting red tape for those homeowners will help them take advantage of newer, lower interest rates.