Housing is in short supply nationwide, whether it’s in big cities, small cities like Emporia or smaller towns. And US Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas is working to expand an existing federal program to help.
Moran, a Republican, and Independent Angus King of Maine have introduced legislation to expand the Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act by allowing the use of Housing Preservation Grants, or HPGs, for building additional housing on a given property for rent like small homes or attached apartments. HPGs are typically used for repairs, and has been “underused” according to the lawmakers.
The revised legislation, if approved, would offer grants of up to $100,000 to low- or moderate-income recipients. Original houses would need to be at least 25 years old. Part of the legislation also includes a required landlord education program and a five-year owner-occupant requirement so homeowners cannot “flip” the home at increased values, thus preventing developers from taking unfair advantage of the program.
