Colorado Congressional Delegation Secures $850,000
Funding supports a significant project of the Leadville Lake County Regional Housing Authority
Colorado’s Congressional delegation announced the approval of a $850,000 funding package through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for an affordable housing project in Leadville. The funding will go toward the installation of below grade infrastructure
and site prep for building affordable housing on three parcels.
“We owe thanks to Representative Brittany Pettersen, Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennett for supporting our request and fighting for this project through the legislative hurdles. This Federal investment in our community is substantial,” commented Jacqueline
Whelihan, executive director of the Leadville Lake County Regional Housing Authority.
The project will include site prep for building affordable housing on three parcels within the City of Leadville. These three parcels are close to the Mineral Belt Trail and are walkable to downtown, stores, schools and the library. The housing units will provide a combination of
ownership and rental units for Lake County residents.
The project will be divided into three phases:
- Phase 1: site prep, below grade infrastructure installation, site remediation, as well as engineering and master planning of a 12-acre county owned site
- Phase 2: building of 20-22 affordable for sale units
- Phase 3: anticipate building rental and for sale units on a larger county owned site with a possible childcare facility, and recreation component
While affordable housing is an issue faced by many communities across the country, the context of mountain communities creates specific challenges. There has been a major shift in the Lake County housing market since 2015, both in rental and for-sale homes. While Lake
County is not alone in the challenges it is facing, its geographic and employment context present distinct challenges and opportunities for the region.
“From affordable housing to infrastructure projects, this is a bill with Colorado needs written all over it,” said Senator John Hickenlooper. These projects came from Coloradans, for Coloradans. And there’s more to come.”
“Investments in our community spaces, affordable housing, clean drinking water, and public safety are critical for the continued growth and prosperity of our community. This week, we put politics aside to invest in the American people,” said Representative Brittany Pettersen. “From
Wheat Ridge to Leadville and everywhere in between, these projects address critical needs in my district and represent transformational investments in families, students, seniors, and more. I look forward to President Biden signing this package into law and seeing how these
projects will create tangible progress in Colorado’s 7th District.”
The mission of the Leadville Lake County Regional Housing Authority is to facilitate building and administering access to housing, valuable resources for housing-compromised community members, and healthy stewardship of sustainable community housing.