A Williamson Landmark Reopens, Thanks to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funding

Sixteen low-income public housing units have been renovated and reopened in Williamson, West Virginia. The Williamson Housing Authority installed new bathrooms with sparkling new fixtures and performed kitchen makeovers consisting of energy efficient products and quality cabinetry. HUD's West Virginia Field Office Director Pete Minter says $442,572 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding helped to complete the units in Phase I of the Williamson Terrace project.

Twenty-two more apartments will be rehabilitated and rented out as they are completed. The thirty-eight unit facility was shut down in 2001 because of its physical condition.

"It greatly concerned HUD that there would be 38 less affordable rental housing units available to low-income families in Mingo County," said Minter. "Over the last eight years, the local housing authority did not receive sufficient funding from HUD to do the renovation to reopen Williamson Terrace and meet the ongoing annual cost of maintaining its other housing properties."

Minter says the Williamson Housing Authority coupled its ARRA funds with its annual Capital Funds to allow the authority to reopen 16 of the 38 apartments. "The timely use of these funds not only will offer citizens more affordable rental housing available in the City of Williamson; it provided jobs for individuals during the time the construction was underway."

The project in total is expected to cost $1.9 million when all the units have been completed. Williamson Terrace is a 71 year old landmark so local officials are excited they've been able salvage the facility. Anyone interested in getting on the waiting list for the apartments can contact the Williamson Housing Authority at (304) 235-3270, extension 10.