CBS19

An affordable housing project in Louisa County could get federal funding due to fiscal year 2022 appropriations package that has passed the U.S. House.

According to a release, the House voted Thursday to pass Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger’s bill that would provide $775,000 for the Ferncliff Place project.

The project would create a new 80-unit development with market-rate homes and affordable residences together.

The goal would be to provide ownership opportunities for people or families who are between 35 and 60 percent of the median income for Louisa County.

“As we rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Virginians deserve to have greater access to affordable housing opportunities. This project in Louisa County would provide the dream of homeownership to more Louisa County residents and make this community a stronger place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Spanberger. “I am proud to have worked directly with Louisa County in securing this funding, and I thank these elected officials for their leadership, their vision, and their commitment to the people of Louisa.”

“The county is grateful for the potential award of funding for this project,” said Bob Babyok, Chairman, Louisa County Board of Supervisors.  “Access to affordable housing is a significant concern in Louisa, and with responsible planning, this project will create safe and sustainable options to meet that challenge.”

The release says this project would provide the opportunity for homeownership, not just affordable rental assistance, to more people in the area.

This is part of a new effort that the House of Representatives put into place in its annual appropriations process. It’s called Community Project Funding.

This process allows members of Congress, working with the communities they represent, to submit direct applications for federal funding to support locally planned projects as part of the annual appropriations process.

Eligible projects have to be sponsored by local or state government entities or nonprofits and would also otherwise meet qualifications to apply for federal grant funding.

The appropriations package must now go through the U.S. Senate.