Washington County Riverboat Foundation funds are helping student building projects in Kalona. At their most recent meeting, the Kalona City Council heard an update on the student-built housing projects.

The council approved using $51,749.49 of WCRF funds to purchase a job trailer and tools for upcoming projects for the program. In 2022 they remodeled a house at 721 6th Street. In 2023, they constructed a duplex on C Avenue. This year they will build a new duplex at 502 A Avenue. It will be approximately 1,700 square feet, three bedrooms and two baths. Work on that project will begin in March or April.

They were wanting to get more students involved, so they extended the program from just a summer activity. Students who are interested can get training and hands-on experience with the program. The City Council asked the staff to look into using more natural materials and green energy options for future builds.