Pa. Seeks Proposals to Improve Housing in Marcellus Shale
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has issued a request for proposals for projects to improve the availability and affordability of housing in the Marcellus shale region of the commonwealth. Eligible applicants include Pennsylvania counties that have adopted ordinances authorizing the imposition of an impact fee and have unconventional gas wells.
Deadline for submission is Aug. 15.
The funding to address housing needs comes from Marcellus shale impact fees, which are directed to, and administered from, the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund.
This year's funding includes $5 million received so far for wells drilled in 2013 as well as Marcellus shale impact fee funds provided to municipalities.
Also eligible are municipalities that have excess (or spillover) funds deposited into the PHARE Fund.
"Our first two years of administering this funding have confirmed the wisdom of letting local governments determine where best to make vital housing investments," said Brian A. Hudson Sr., executive director and CEO of the housing finance agency, in a prepared statement. "We encourage county and municipal governments to take advantage of this PHARE funding to help them address their most critical housing needs. We will be offering informational sessions to help them with questions about their proposals."
The RFP stresses the agency's desire to fund projects that will leverage other funds and partnerships to improve housing in a community. Proposals must ensure that at least 30% of any funds awarded will be used to help people or families with incomes below 50% of the median area income. Also, proposals cannot serve people or families with incomes above 200% of the median area income.
Fund officials will host two public information sessions June 26 and July 21 on the Web during which potential applicants can ask questions and get clarification on the requirements of the RFP. More information about these sessions and the RFP will be posted on the agency website.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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