Chelan housing project supported by state grant

Chelan River Heights project map. Photo courtesy: Chelan Valley Housing Trust.

The Washington State Department of Commerce has announced $54.5 million in grants to help create new housing units across the state.

The awards represent the latest round of the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program, referred to as CHIP. Established in 2021, the competitive program pays for waterworks infrastructure — such as extending or upsizing water and sewer pipes and new or upgraded stormwater management — and reimburses public utilities for connection fees that were waived to bring these needed water utilities to the project.

This round of CHIP funding also included a pilot program to support projects in Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties. Approximately $5 million will support moderate-income housing projects for those earning greater than 80% of area median income and up to 100% of state median income in Wenatchee, Chelan and Winthrop.

The Chelan River Heights: Anderson Road project, managed by Chelan Valley Housing Trust, received nearly $1.4 million as part of 70 projects in 22 counties. Commerce says by helping to reduce the cost of development, funds will support the creation of 4,517 affordable housing units.

Apartment construction in Wenatchee will receive over $1.9 million. Two projects in Winthrop were awarded $1.7 million.

“By connecting infrastructure funding directly to housing development, we’re reducing upfront costs, accelerating construction timelines, and enabling jurisdictions across Washington to support the development of more affordable housing for the people who need it most,” said Interim Commerce Director Sarah Clifthorne.

Today’s awards bring total CHIP investments to nearly $152 million since 2021, contributing to reducing the cost and advancing the development of nearly 14,000 affordable housing units.