CDFA awards $2.76 million for improvement projects

Grants to be used in six communities for housing, infrastructure, energy efficiency

The NH Community Development Finance Authority has awarded $2.76 million in Community Development Block Grants that will support development projects in six communities throughout the state, including improvements to affordable housing structures, energy-efficiency upgrades and infrastructure projects.

The improvements “will make a significant impact on residents in each of these communities,” said Taylor Caswell, executive director of the CDFA.

Projects approved were:

 • Community Action Partnership of Strafford County, Farmington, $500,000, for renovations at the Farmington Childcare Center. Funds will support interior and exterior improvements, including energy efficiency upgrades, which will enable the childcare center to increase its capacity while maintaining the ability to serve low- and moderate-income families.

 • MAPS Counseling Services, Keene, $455,000, to enable the outpatient mental health services provider to relocate. The new location will provide more space to accommodate staff, ADA access, as well as improved privacy and security for clients.

 • Keene Housing, $500,000, to help finance a $750,000 capital improvement project at Riverbend Apartments in Swanzey. Interior and exterior upgrades to the 24-unit family development will extend the life of the property which provides quality, affordable housing for the region.

 • Exeter Housing Authority, $500,000, for energy improvements at four affordable housing complexes. The proposed improvements will provide an annual savings of more than $30,000 across the four properties, ultimately delivering cost savings to low- and moderate-income tenants.

 • Laconia Housing Authority, $482,480, for energy improvements to the Scott & Williams property. The property, which includes the 60-unit Normandin Square Apartments, provides affordable housing and health services to a majority of low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The investment in energy efficiency upgrades is expected to deliver an annual dollar savings of $67,000 in electricity and natural gas costs.

 • Solar Village Association, Belmont, $327.373, for water and sewer infrastructure improvements at the neighborhood of 48 manufactured homes, 80 percent of which are occupied by low- and moderate-income households.

The grants await final approval from the Executive Council.