Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today
GRAND ISLAND — The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) announced Jan. 31 $6,750,112 in awards through the second funding cycle of the Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF) for program year 2022.
Authorized by the Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act of 2017, the RWHF helps communities create quality, affordable housing to accommodate growth.
The Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC) was among 10 entities receiving funding. EDC received $1,256,715 in RWHF funds and must provide $314,242 in matching funds, according to the news release.
“Nebraska’s growth and vitality as a state hinge upon our success developing affordable housing,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “Today’s awardees have shown exemplary initiative in raising funds to support local housing projects. Congratulations to the award winners! DED looks forward to supporting these organizations as they implement their housing plans.”
For the second round of the 2022 funding cycle, RWHF awards were available to eligible non-profit development organizations who supplied at least a 25 percent match (that is, 25 cents for every one dollar of funds awarded). In many cases, local financial institutions and employers partnered with the primary applicant to provide the local match. Combined, the 10 recipients announced Jan. 31 contributed more than $1.87 million in matching funds.
DED administers the RWHF program on behalf of the State of Nebraska through a competitive application process. The department then partners with recipients to provide input regarding project design, development, and implementation.
In 2022, the Nebraska Legislature approved a general fund allocation of $29,555,112 to the Rural Workforce Housing Fund. In May 2023, DED awarded $22,805,000 of these funds to 27 non-profit housing organizations. With the Jan. 31 announcement, the remaining funds of $6,750,112 have now been awarded.
For more information about the RWHF, visit opportunity.nebraska.gov/program/workforce-housing-fund. For questions, contact Nick Dropinski, Workforce Housing Specialist, at nick.dropinski@nebraska.gov or 402-580-0713.
