County board allocates federal funds for affordable housing

Affordable housing projects in Woodbury, Oakdale and Oak Park Heights are likely to receive federal grant dollars via Washington County later this year.

The county’s board of commissioners voted March 3 to approve funding recommendations and released for public comment the draft 2009 Community Development Block grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) annual action plan.

This year $1,068,290 in federal funds is available to the Washington County CDBG and HOME programs. Recommended use of the funds includes three affordable housing projects and a crisis assistance fund.

Washington County is among counties that qualify to receive federal funding for affordable housing because it has a population greater than 200,000.

Developments approved for receiving the funds are the Retreat at Garden Gate II in Woodbury ($350,000), Raymie Johnson Townhomes in Oak Park Heights ($133,000) and Granada Lakes Estates in Oakdale ($200,000).

The public comment period is open through April 27, 2009. The council will vote for final approval of the funds in early May, said Josh Beck, a planner for the county’s community services department.

The draft CDBG and HOME action plan may be viewed by the public at the Community Services office in the Government Center in Stillwater or on the county website at http://www.co.washington.mn.us/

Tags: news, washington, county, housing, affordable, woodbury, oakdale