A bill that passed in the New York State Senate, sponsored by Sen. Betty Little (R-Queensberry), would fund a home replacement program for qualifying state residents who have older, dilapidated mobile and manufactured homes, and own the property. The replacement units would be new, affordable energy-efficient units, according to adirondackdailyenterprise, for participants who have a total household income not exceeding 80 percent of the area’s median income.

“In many communities, mobile and manufactured homes are an affordable option,” Little said in a press release Wednesday. “But investments to maintain and improve these properties are sometimes cost-prohibitive for lower-income New Yorkers and rarely result in a structure that has longevity and is energy efficient.”

Eligible local governmental and nonprofit organizations need apply to the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corp. in order to administer a Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement Program of up to $500,000.

While a portion of the grant could be used for relocation, demolishing and disposal of the dilapidated home, eligible applicants could receive up to $100,000 toward replacement of their MH providing there are no liens on the property and all insurance and taxes are up to date.

Recipients will have to live in the homes for up to ten years, as MHProNews has learned, and will be required to complete a homeownership training program. Sen. Little said the program would have a multiplier effect from the local contractors, labor and building materials.

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill is sponsoring companion legislation in the State Assembly. Sen. Little is the chair of the Senate Housing, Construction and Community Development Committee. The state’s budget for 2016-17 appropriated $2 million for the program. ##

(Photo credit: gfhomesandland–manufactured home)

Article submitted by Matthew J Silver to Daily Business News-MHProNews.