Bill to Help Boost Housing Options Heads to Senate

If passed into law, the bill would help communities of all sizes expand housing options.

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INDIANAPOLIS - An Indiana lawmaker has proposed a bill that would help communities of all sizes expand housing options. 

State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) authored House Bill 1005 to establish the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program. Under the legislation, a revolving loan fund would help local governments tackle costly infrastructure needs that could open up new housing development. 

Community 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. 

According to the Indiana Apartment Association, the state will need 4,000 additional multi-family housing unites annually over the next 10 years. 

"We know we need more housing options in Indiana, but many communities struggle with paying for the public infrastructure needed for more housing development," Miller said. "This bill would allow the state to partner with local communities to help pay for projects, which will encourage housing development and boost the local economy."

Miller said the Indiana Finance Authority would oversee the revolving fund in order to provide assistance to communities for the long term. To benefit smaller, more rural communities where the lack of housing is more prevalent, Miller said 70 percent of the funding would be for municipalities under 50,000 people.

House Bill 1005 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information visit iga.in.gov.