STATEHOUSE (Feb. 9, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted this week to advance legislation co-authored by State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) 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.
O'Brien 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.
"There are several costly factors on the road to building more housing opportunities," O'Brien said. "This proposed legislation would help clear a path for local governments and developers to work together to boost affordable housing options."
According to O'Brien, the Indiana Finance Authority would oversee the revolving fund in order to provide assistance to communities for the long term. He said to benefit smaller, more rural communities where the lack of housing is more prevalent, 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.
-30-
State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) represents House District 78,
which includes portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) works on legislation expanding housing options for Hoosiers Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, at the Statehouse. The legislation, which would create a revolving loan fund to help local governments tackle costly infrastructure needs, now advances to the Senate after being approved by the Indiana House of Representatives.
