Governor Creates $4 Million Housing Development Grant Program

Posted by Kansas RealEstateRama

April 25, 2008

– Initiative Helps Kansas Families Impacted by Disasters, Also Rural Communities –

(Topeka) – Governor Kathleen Sebelius has signed into law Senate Bill 417, a measure creating a $4 million Housing Development Grant Program. The housing program initially targets communities that suffered recent disasters, but later expands eligibility in 2010 to include all rural cities.

“Affordable workforce housing is key in the recovery of communities impacted by disasters, as well as in the overall economic vitality of rural communities across the entire state,” said Governor Sebelius.

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) will implement and administer the new program which will be incorporated into the Rural Housing Incentive District Act.

“Cities across Kansas are struggling to attract businesses and workers to their communities, while lacking available and affordable workforce housing,” said KHRC President Steve Weatherford.

“These resources will help local communities with long-term development of both rental and individually-owned affordable housing.”

Under the program, cities and counties will compete for funds to construct or rehabilitate badly needed infrastructure. Communities will need to demonstrate specific needs and identify developments to meet those needs. Preference will be given to workforce, elderly and special needs housing.

KHRC has scheduled two public hearings to provide an opportunity for your comments and questions on the Program and its proposed rules. The public hearings will be conducted on:

Wednesday, May 7th, 2008
9:30am
City Hall - Commission Room, 2nd Floor
102 W. 7th Street, Coffeyville
2pm
Commission Meeting Trailer
205 S. Oak, Greensburg

Housing Development Grant Program,

Our office also welcomes your written comments, which may be sent by e-mail to info@kshousingcorp.org. Written comments will be accepted through May 10, 2008. Taking these public comments into consideration, KHRC will issue the final rules and procedures shortly after the hearings. Eligible cities and counties may then submit applications through the close of business on June 16, 2008. We plan to announce grant awards the first week of July.

To be eligible to receive a grant, a city or county must provide matching funds of at least 10 percent for construction or rehabilitation of infrastructure projects as defined in the bill, and at least 50 percent for any housing development. The bill would limit grant awards to $25,000 for single-family residential dwellings. Communities receiving grant money will be required to submit annual performance reports to Kansas Housing Resources Corporation regarding the use of grant funds.

Anyone seeking more information on the Housing Development Grant Program or application process please contact Fred Bentley, KHRC Rental Housing Director at 785-296-3724. You may also contact Brad Reiff, Director of Home Programs, at 785-296-3649.

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