BISMARCK, ND – September 8, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — The Industrial Commission has authorized the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) to spend $50,000 in reserves for a Housing Market Survey Grant program. The cost-sharing program encourages rural communities to conduct market surveys before undertaking housing development projects.
“Many of North Dakota’s rural communities are experiencing economic growth and increases in population,” said Gov. John Hoeven. “By offering these communities a financial incentive to conduct market surveys, NDHFA is ensuring that local leaders have a good understanding of their communities’ housing needs.”
“A survey is typically the most important first step. Determining what type of housing is needed and who needs housing puts the community in the best possible position for future growth,” said Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem.
“The traditional landscape of rural North Dakota is changing, especially in energy-impacted areas,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “In addition to these grants, NDFHA is aiding communities by providing development funding and technical assistance.”
Rural communities of 20,000 or less, or non-profit organizations representing or partnering with such communities may apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to cover up to 50 percent of out-of-pocket costs of a survey.
“Before attempting to tackle housing shortfalls on their own, we encourage local leadership to conduct a market survey,” said Jolene Kline, NDHFA planning and housing development director. “NDHFA’s approach is to look at the housing needs of all the citizens in the area and create a strategy from there.”
Grants provided by the NDHFA have funded surveys in Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Grand Forks, Hettinger, McHenry, Mercer, Slope and Stark counties; and the cities of Cooperstown, Drayton, Ellendale, Hannaford, Harvey, Hazelton, Leeds, Linton, Maddock, Northwood, Oakes, Tioga, Underwood, Wahpeton, Williston, and Wimbledon.
For more information on the Housing Market Survey Grant program, contact Kline at (701) 328-8080, (800) 292-8621, (800) 366-6888 (TTY) or info (at) ndhfa (dot) org.
The Industrial Commission of North Dakota, consisting of Gov. John Hoeven, as chairman, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, oversees NDHFA.
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Media Contact: Sarah Mudder, (701) 328-8056 or info (at) ndhfa (dot) org
