Thursday, Feb 28 2013 12:08PM

A new bill may provide solutions to housing shortages in rural Alaska.

Alaskan Sen. and member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee Mark Begich outlined a piece of legislation to provide more funding for rural community development, including new affordable housing.

The Rural Educator and American Community Housing Act will provide $50 million in affordable housing assistance that will be used to build homes or improve living conditions for educators, public safety officers and medical providers working in rural communities. Sen. Begich noted that the lack of sufficient housing has been a contributing factor to the low retention rates of public servants, and said the bill is designed to help attract more teachers, police officers and health providers. 

Other groups will also be permitted to apply for the funding, including Native Americans, tribal members and local housing groups. 

The financing can be used to cover interest payments on home loans, repay loans used to build or improve housing, purchase new property on which new homes will be constructed and renovating or repairing housing units. 

Housing shortages and poverty are two scenarios that are common in the U.S., and a number of government agencies extend financing to help build or repair affordable housing units. For example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently provided $7.3 million to provide affordable housing training, consultation and resources for Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Hawaiian Natives.

For more information, check out this resource: Office of Senator Mark Begich