The PRO Housing grant, discussed during the meeting, is set to allocate $85 million to communities for the purpose of further developing, evaluating, and implementing housing policy plans and strategies. The grant aims to remove obstacles that have plagued the affordable housing sector for some time. This issue has been a focal point for various organizations in Garrett County, including the county commissioners, the Garrett Workforce Housing Alliance, the Garrett County Economic Development Staff, and Community Action, who all recognize the pressing need for affordable housing.
Chrissy Marucci, a key figure involved in the grant application process, emphasized the flexibility of the funding, saying, “The funding can go towards a bunch of different opportunities such as infrastructure, planning and zoning, development activities, and preservation.” Marucci also shed light on the efforts of the Garrett Workforce Housing Alliance, which is actively working on rehabilitation projects to address the housing crisis in the area.
Commissioner Chairman Paul Edwards mentioned that the opportunity for the PRO Housing grant was presented only a month ago, resulting in a tight application deadline. Typically, public hearings are followed by a two-week comment period, allowing residents to provide feedback and suggestions. However, due to the urgency of the grant application timeline, this two-week waiting period was waived. Edwards assured the public that this grant would be 100% funded, requiring no financial match from the county.
Edwards expressed the importance of securing the grant, stating, “It is going to be competitive, but if we can pull this off, it can put a lot of money into Garrett County to be able to do a lot of the things that we’re already doing and just enhance those and make them bigger.”
Affordable Housing: A Top Priority
Steve Kelley, the director of Community Development, emphasized the critical nature of the affordable housing issue in Garrett County. He stated, “The lack of affordable housing is probably our No. 1 issue right now.” Kelley also shared a personal story about his struggle to find affordable housing in the area, highlighting the real and pressing challenges faced by residents.
The county commissioners recognized the significance of the grant and passed a resolution authorizing the application process. This decision opens the door to funding numerous projects that can make a substantial impact on the housing situation in Garrett County.
Garrett County’s pursuit of the PRO Housing grant reflects a collective commitment to addressing the affordable housing crisis. The grant’s potential to inject $85 million into the county promises to bring about much-needed change. While the competition for the grant is expected to be fierce, securing it could significantly enhance existing housing initiatives and help improve the quality of life for Garrett County residents.
The next public meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 6, at 4 p.m. Garrett County residents and stakeholders will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting updates on the grant application and the potential for positive change in the local housing landscape.
