JANESVILLE — The Rock County Board on Thursday night approved more than 200 affordable housing units in Beloit and Janesville by tapping into budgeted COVID-era federal ARPA funds.
The vote was 23-2 with Supervisor Kevin Stone and Christine Fugelseth dissenting
In the county’s 2024 budget, $4.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were earmarked for shovel-ready affordable housing projects.
Rock County is authorizing through its housing authority to contract with developers for three projects, totaling up to $4.49 million:
Bear Development, LLC — 101 Rockport Road, in Janesville, would have 70 units
Alexander Company — Eagles Ridge, in Beloit, would have 93 units
Alternative Continuum of Care and Luther Social Services, at the Riverside Apartments, in Beloit, would have 46 units
The allocations are consistent with a strategic objective of the county, to increase access to affordable housing as part of a collaboration with local municipalities.
The Rock County Housing Authority, with support from the county’s Planning, Economic and Community Development Department, vetted eligible housing projects for funding, per ARPA rules.
Eleven housing projects in the county were ultimately evaluated, and the list was later culled to three.
APRA rules define affordable housing as units leased to households with a maximum income of 120% of the area median income and that have a land use restriction agreement for a period of at least 20 years.
Based on the recommendation from the housing authority and based on the available budget, the Planning & Development Committee recommended allocating a flat rate of $21,500 per affordable housing unit.
Sign up for our Daily Update & Weekend Update email newsletters!
Get the latest news, sports, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
