STATEHOUSE (Feb. 14, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced legislation co-authored by State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) that would help communities of all sizes expand housing options.
Indiana's population is growing and the Indiana Apartment Association estimates the state will need 4,000 additional multifamily housing units annually over the next 10 years.
Hall co-authored House Bill 1005 to establish the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program, a revolving loan fund to help local governments tackle costly infrastructure needs that could open up new housing development. Under the bill, communities could apply for loans and use the money to move forward with projects like water distribution systems, sanitary sewer systems, and electric or gas distribution lines.
"Despite increased demand for housing, many communities lack the infrastructure needed to build more homes," Hall said. "This bill would give them a much-needed boost to tackle these projects, which are necessary to fuel more development."
Hall said the Indiana Finance Authority would oversee the revolving fund in order to provide assistance to communities for the long term. To benefit smaller, more rural communities where the lack of housing is more prevalent, Hall said 70 percent of the funding would be for municipalities under 50,000 people.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Habitat for Humanity, Hoosier Housing Coalition, Indiana Manufactured Housing Association and Accelerate Indiana Municipalities support the legislation.
House Bill 1005 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) represents House District 62,
which includes all of Brown County, and portions of Monroe and Jackson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
