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Grant money could boost housing in Dodge County

Posted at 10:34 PM, May 09, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-09 23:34:50-04

If you put one of these signs in your yard in Fremont, you can expect your house to be sold quickly. 

"I just had a listing, $145,000 was the price we had 13 showing in three hours and multiple offers came in on the property," says real estate agent Libby Headid.

This has been a major problem for people looking to move into a middle class residence in town.

"We have neglected for quite some time that middle range," says Garry Clark, executive director of the Fremont Development Council.

Some looking in that price range are willing to commute from surrounding communities for a bit, but others simply look elsewhere.

"people don't move hear if they can't get what they want, they do temporary housing if they can, but that's very difficult to do," says Clark. 

But thanks to a $850,000 grant from the state and more than one million dollars in additional matching funds, more homes could be coming to Dodge County.

"I think it's awesome because it becomes a catalyst for growth, it becomes a catalyst for creating an opportunity for people and their families," says Clark.

The money will go towards both ends of the housing spectrum. Developers will get assistance to build homes in Dodge County and first time home buyers can also apply to get a portion of those funds.

"They want to live here, they want to be a part of the community and live work and play in Fremont and Dodge County,” says Clark. 

Clark also says when the Costco chicken plant opens next year they expect more than one thousand more residents in the Fremont area right away. That's why his organization has a goal of 858 more housing units in Dodge County by 2022.