144 Corridor Housing Initiative funding applications available through April 15

Special to the Jefferson Herald

In need of $1,000 to improve the exterior of your house or yard?

The 144 Corridor Housing Initiative is making a one-to-one match of up to $1,000 available to improve the exterior of local homes, while making a number of Greene County communities more attractive.
Funds are also available for clearing unsightly debris, or removal of dead or dying trees.

Spurred by discussions for improving housing in Greene County, a representative group from the east side of Greene County has created a not-for-profit group, 144-CHI. Funds have been solicited from the City Councils of the four communities, Louis Dreyfus funds, Greene County Development Corporation, the People’s Bank of Rippey and Grand Junction, the Rolling Hills Bank of Rippey, the Home State Bank of Jefferson, and the Community Bank of Paton.
These organizations and businesses are making funds available to individuals for home exterior improvements.

“We are proud to be a part of this endeavor to improve our communities and provide additional housing for people wanting to move to Greene County,” John Rigler III, President of People’s Bank said.
Applications are available and must be completed by April 15. The application must include a “before” photo, details of the project including the cost and an estimate of labor and materials, and an expected completion timeline.
The applications are available at the banks of the communities of Rippey, Grand Junction, Dana or Paton, at the city libraries, or via individual board members. Eligible persons include single-family rental and owner-occupied properties within the city limits.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and grants will be awarded until the funds are depleted. Encouragement will be given to use local suppliers and contractors. Owners of rental properties may only seek one application. Construction or work in progress prior to the grant application will not be awarded funding. Pools, gazebos, hot tubs, fire pits, or playground equipment will not be considered eligible.
Additional information may be provided by board members; Mary Weaver of Rippey, Annie Smith and Jake Bohnet of Paton, Alan Robinson and Kate Neese of Grand Junction, and Derek Kennedy for the Dana Community.

Completed applications may be taken to the banks of the individual communities by the April 15 deadline, and for Dana, delivered to People’s Bank in Grand Junction.
Individuals will be notified by May 1 so they can begin their project.