Rooves, siding, windows, and foundation repairs can be costly, but the City of Washington is rolling out a new program to help homeowners with exterior house improvements. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for homeowners that meet income at or below program guidelines. City Administrator Brent Hinson explains it is available to help homeowners while improving the town, “There’s no required match for it. I think it’s a potentially a great deal for people that may need the assistance and so we’re really hoping that it’ll help people and make a nice improvement to our community.” The current grant cycle is for housing rehabilitation along Highway 92 and 12th Avenue.

Hinson explains the project is funded with mostly state dollars and a match from the City’s low and moderate income tax increment financing fund, “It’s a $151,000 program and of that about $37,000 is City match. What we’re hoping is that if this program is successful, we can just keep doing this program every couple of years, either in this area or in additional areas of town. Really what we’re trying to do long-term is just create a nice housing stock in town, you know, a nice livable community, good-looking community, and hopefully this will be a big help in that.” An informational meeting for those interested will be held on January 16th at 6:30 p.m. at the Washington Public Library. Applications are due February 22nd and will be reviewed for selection. Click here for applications.