SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 12, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Michele Weaver today announced $100,000 in awards under the Housing Preservation Grant Program to assist low-income homeowners in repairing and rehabilitating their homes and rental units in rural Utah.
“Utah’s affordable housing shortage continues to create challenges for people throughout our state, especially for those in Grand County and the Uinta Basin,” said Weaver. “Our partnerships with Community Rebuilds and the Uintah Basin Association of Governments are great examples of USDA’s commitment to ensuring essential needs, like housing, are met. The benefits of these investments will have a ripple effect and provide opportunities for people to thrive in rural Utah.”
In Moab, Community Rebuilds will use a $50,000 grant to renovate 11 subsidized units for low-income renters in Grand County, the renovations will provide upgrades that will ensure residents have safe, energy-efficient, and decent living conditions, where affordable and fair housing is scarce and difficult to obtain.
In Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah counties, Uintah Basin Association of Governments will use a $50,000 grant to assist up to 10 low-income single-family households make health and safety improvements to their homes. These improvements include repairing or replacing electrical wiring, foundations, roofs, heating systems, and similar work.
Housing Preservation Grants provide funds to sponsoring organizations to assist low and very-low-income households in eligible rural areas, repair or rehabilitate their houses or rental units with upgrades. USDA does this to ensure residents have healthy and safe livable homes in rural communities. Eligible expenses include accessibility features, roof repairs and replacement, electrical wiring, water and waste systems, insulation, heating systems and more.
The investments are part of President Biden’s commitment to advance equity for all, including those who have been historically underserved, marginalized and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/ut.
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