Funded with a $1 million community development block grant from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Kentucky Department for Local Government (DLG), local, state and federal officials participated in groundbreaking ceremonies March 28 for the next phase of the Houseboat to Energy Efficient Residences (HBEER) in Whitley County, Kentucky. Following a story MHProNews.com last posted Jan. 2, 2013, regarding Stardust Cruisers converting their watercraft manufacturing facilities to modular home production in the wake of the economic downturn, 13 energy efficient homes will be built that will provide good-paying jobs for area residents as well as homeownership opportunities for working families. Thirty-five public and private organizations are supporting this endeavor, according to lanereport.com, led by the University of Kentucky’s College of Design, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corp., and Stardust Cruisers. ##

(Photo credit: Whitney Hale/uknownews.com–Kentucky modular home)