The omnibus spending bill that Congress passed and the president signed to keep the federal government operating through 2014 includes provisions relating to manufactured housing. One in particular specifically requires the secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) select an administrator of the Office of Manufactured Housing within 120 days or risk a $50,000 daily budget cut.

The measure also provides up to $7,530,000 to operate the manufactured housing program, of which $6,530,000 is to be derived from the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund and $1,000,000 from the government’s general fund. HUD is also required to modify fees to ensure the $7.5 million appropriation, MHProNews.com has learned. Additionally, the spending bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to work with HUD, the industry and tenant groups to improve the energy efficiency of manufactured homes, while taking into account the initial costs as well as long-term maintenance of any modifications.

(Photo credit: Jeff Beiermann/theworld.com–Nebraska manufactured home producers)