MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette County Commission held a public hearing Tuesday evening regarding the Marquette County Housing Emergency Rehabilitation Program.
The purpose of the hearing was to disclose the amount of funding the program will receive this year from a Michigan community development block grant. The hearing was also an opportunity for the public to comment on the matter. The program provides financial assistance to qualified homeowners to help insure their residence is safe and livable. The assistance is in the form of an interest free lien on the property that isn’t required to be paid back until the property is sold or transferred.
Amy Stephens, who is a planner for the county, explains the importance of this popular program.
“It can be anything from a new roof to a hot water heater to a furnace and It is only for folks that are 80% area median income or lower. So we’re trying to help people who have the highest need in our community,” said Stephens.
The home repairs program benefits the entire community by increasing housing stock and the tax base as well as implementing energy efficiency standard and allowing elderly residence to remain in their homes longer.
