Dane Hansen Foundation Approves Second Round of Housing Incentive Programs in Republic County

Republic County Economic Development
Republic County Economic Development

Republic County in partnership with Republic County Economic Development is offering three housing incentives in a pilot program available through 2022 to help address housing issues in the county.  Funding of $27,500 was awarded by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation to the county for three programs in 2021 and the remaining funds have been approved to be used for 2022.

The program was successful in 2021 with 9 homes painted across the county, 1 elderly person was assisted in selling their home and moving to an apartment in the county, and 2 homes were demolished for new development or sale.

Republic County Economic Development Director Jenny Russell says the Paint The County grant is helping beautify existing housing stock throughout the county by providing up to $750 per project to cover paint and materials purchased locally.

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The Empty Nester Grant is an incentive to assist homeowners in the county that wish to move over to a more manageable-sized rental within the county.

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The Demolition Assistance Grant assists with clearing residential blight while encouraging in-fill lot development, selling the property, or donating to a city Land Bank.

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Applications will be received and reviewed by Republic County Economic Development.  Recommendations will be made to the County Commissioners.  Labor and materials purchased within the county will be prioritized in the program.  Republic County Economic Development will provide program administration and marketing while the county will be the fiscal agent.

Russell says applications are now open and being accepted until funding is used through 2022.

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Applications will be reviewed and a response will be provided within 30 days of submission.