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Board approves $411,999 in SEMCRA housing trust fund awards for preservation and affordable housing projects
Summary
SEMCRA requested funding from the Goodhue Housing Trust Fund; the board approved four awards totaling $411,999.83 for projects in Cannon Falls, Zumbrota, and Wanamingo (deferred loan contingent on state funding for rehabilitation of 50 units). One application was deferred.
The Goodhue County Board approved SEMCRA's 2026 Goodhue Housing Trust Fund recommendations on Tuesday, awarding four projects a total of $411,999.83 to support both preservation and creation of affordable housing.
Justin Stotts, SEMCRA executive director, presented the subcommittee's recommendations: a $30,000 grant to the Cannon Falls Housing Initiative to support construction of a student-built home for an income-qualified buyer; a $79,211 grant for capital repairs (siding, roof and foundation work) at a SEMCRA fourplex in Zumbrota located at 310 Main Street; a $240,000 deferred loan to 3 Rivers Community Action for rehabilitation of 50 affordable housing units in Cannon Falls (contingent on the applicant securing state tax-credit funding); and up to $62,788.83 to the Wanamingo Land Company to replace original windows in a seven-unit affordable property, structured as half forgivable and half repayable and contingent on obtaining a second competitive construction bid.
SEMCRA received five applications requesting more than $652,000; the remaining application from the City of Kenyon was deferred by the subcommittee until a specific development proposal is ready.
Commissioners discussed sustainability of relying on local funds for capital needs that HUD or the state historically supported. Stotts noted federal capital funding shortfalls for public housing and that public housing authorities cannot take on mortgages under current rules, making local leverage and deferred-loan options more important for preserving units.
The board moved to approve the subcommittee recommendations and carried the motion by voice vote.
Why it matters: the awards provide local leverage for repairs and preservation of affordable units and support pipeline proposals seeking state funding for larger rehabilitation projects; some awards are contingent on securing additional funds.
Next steps: SEMCRA and awardees will proceed with project-level steps and will seek required additional funding where noted (for the 3 Rivers deferred loan and Wanamingo bid condition).
