The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

July 29, 2009

W.Va. gets $16.5 million for housing

From Staff Reports

West Virginia is getting $16.5 million in this year’s federal stimulus package to jump-start affordable housing projects, Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., announced Wednesday.

Money for the housing was provided through the $2.25 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, allowing state finance agencies to resume rental housing projects in all 50 states.

“This money will re-energize the construction industry and provide for the production of thousands of housing units stalled by the current recession,” Byrd said.

“Not only will the funding allow those who are less fortunate to afford a roof over their heads, but it will create jobs across West Virginia — especially in the construction industry, which has been hit hard in these tough economic times.”

Rep. Nick Rahall, also D-W.Va., said lower income families are feeling the squeeze in a struggling economy.

“Not only do we know what having a home means to West Virginia families, but we also recognize that every cent we spend for affordable housing is an investment in our local economics and stronger communities,” he said.

Normally, tax credits provide an incentive for investors to provide developers with cash to build multi-family rental housing for low-income families.

Yet, as the credit market shrinks, traditional investors have been reluctant to invest, and the value of tax credits has fallen, leaving some 1,000 projects in limbo.

“Housing is a basic need that every American citizen has a right to obtain,” Byrd said.

“This funding will promote the development of housing for those that need it most,”

Sen. Jay Rockefeller, also D-W.Va., said the money will lead to more homes for families in need.

“This will help spur housing construction, create jobs and help strengthen our local communities, and that’s a good thing,” he said.

“This money comes at a good time and I hope it is put to use quickly.”



Text Only
Local News
  • Rainelle’s ‘colorful’ ex-mayor remembered

    Former Rainelle Mayor Eugene “Geno” McKenzie, who died Monday, was known for his devotion to his hometown, according to those who knew him.

    June 20, 2013

  • Fayette man indicted for failure to appear

    A Fayette County man, who previously pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography charges was indicted Tuesday for allegedly failing to appear for a May 2012 sentencing hearing, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin.

    June 20, 2013

  • Dog bites man; search on for would-be burglar

    Fayette County Sheriff’s Department deputies are looking for a would-be burglar “with a dog bite,” Fayette Sheriff Steve Kessler said Wednesday.

    June 20, 2013

  • Man arrested for firing into crowd

    Mount Hope Police arrested a local man who allegedly fired a handgun into a crowd outside of Clinton Apartments Tuesday night.

    June 20, 2013

  • Calendar — Thursday, June 20, 2013

    TODAY

    June 20, 2013

  • Greenbrier Co. Relay for Life Friday

    Relay for Life of Greenbrier County will take place on Friday at 5 p.m. at Modlin Field beside Greenbrier Valley Medical Center.

    June 20, 2013

  • Ansted man arrested for false 911 calls

    Fayette County Sheriff’s deputies arrested an 18-year-old Ansted man Tuesday following a false 911 call to the Fayette Emergency Operations Center and a foot chase.

    June 19, 2013

  • Accident claims one

    A Nicholas County man was killed in Kanawha County Monday when his vehicle left the road and struck a utility pole, Kanawha County officials reported Wednesday.

    June 19, 2013

  • "The Road to Statehood" film to debut

    “The Road to Statehood” airs Thursday night at 8 p.m. on West Virginia PBS, in commemoration of the state’s 150th birthday.

    June 19, 2013

  • New labor panel eyeing workplace health, safety

    Tragedies in West Virginia’s coal industry understandably attract voluminous news coverage, but lawmakers say other work places are hit by their share of injuries and illness, prompting a new committee to take a look at this.
    Known as the Committee on Labor and Work Safety Issues, the new panel was requested by Sen. Jack Yost, D-Brooke.

    June 19, 2013