Washington wins state housing rehab grant

DES MOINES — Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Thursday a total of $4 million in grant awards to assist the with 131 owner-occupied home rehabilitation projects Washington, Keokuk, Burlington, Grinnell, and Mason City. The money flows through the Home Rehabilitation Block Grant Pilot Program.

“I’ve been steadfast in my commitment to advancing housing opportunities to ensure that every Iowan can live near their work,” Reynolds said in a news release. “To meet that goal, we must not only build new housing but we also must preserve our existing housing stock. Today’s investments will give new life to more than 130 aging homes so that Iowa families can be proud to call them home for many years to come.”

The pilot program had $4 million in eligible funds available and received applications totaling nearly $4.5 million. Applications were scored on a competitive basis and included criteria such as housing need, impact, community readiness, public/private partnerships and additional funds leveraged. The projects awarded funding are leveraging an additional $3.3 million in additional funding.

Washington is set to receive $400,000, according to the state, with the city saying it would use the money to improve at least a dozen homes.

“The city of Washington is very excited to be receiving this housing grant since we will be able to offer housing rehabilitation for up to 15 homes up to $32,000 per household,” City Administrator Deanna McCusker said. “This will greatly benefit our community with enhancing our condition of our available housing.”

Washington Mayor Jaron Rosien said allocating the money was a wise choice.

“Gov. Reynolds has her finger on the pulse of our needs with this appropriation,” he said. “Housing needs and solutions to them have been identified as a top priority during city council goal-setting, and is also recurring theme in the many meetings I attend and individuals I hear from.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com