SunJournal reports that Keiser Homes won half of $4 million contract to build homes for the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA). The Oxford based modular home producer will be replacing pre-HUD Code mobile homes, as part of MSHAs pre-1976 Mobile Home Replacement Program. The program provides such home owners with low-to-no interest loans. MSHA Deputy Director Adam Krea explained that the other half of the program will be used to purchase $2 million dollars worth of HUD Code manufactured homes for the same purpose. The manufactured homes will be purchased from in state retailers. Maine has no HUD Code manufacturers. Rickmond McCarthy of the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition advocated for using modulars because “A modular home, which you put on a foundation, is an appreciating asset.” Linda Walbridge, director of Western Maine Economic Development Council, called it a victory for Maine’s economy, as previous purchases were often from HUD Code home manufacturers based in Pennsylvania. Waldbridge said KBS Building Systems, who also bid on the project, was instrumental in getting modulars approved for use with the program.
