Washington City, Utah is converting unused state land into affordable housing for veterans, a strategy officials say could make housing more accessible across Utah. This innovative approach involves leasing land from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and is seen as a potential model for other communities statewide, according to Washington City Council Member Kurt Ivie.
The specific development, located off the I-15 freeway entrance from Main Street in Washington City, will span 0.88 acres and include six residential units. One of these units is designated for an on-site manager. The nonprofit organization USA Project Valor will manage the operations of the housing, setting rent based on what veterans can afford, with an estimated cost of around $500 per month. Jordan Hess, Washington City's government affairs director, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that while the housing is not extravagant, it offers vital stability for veterans struggling to find suitable living arrangements amidst rising housing costs in Washington County.
A key factor in keeping these costs low is Washington City's provision of utilities for the project. The land itself is a remnant dirt lot from a past UDOT freeway exit construction project, which would otherwise remain undeveloped. Council Member Ivie emphasized that removing the cost of the land from the equation is crucial for making such projects truly affordable. He stated that the city hopes this is just the beginning, noting Washington City's recognition in March as one of the first in the state to implement such a strategy. The city aims to identify additional parcels and collaborate with state agencies to create more affordable housing options for residents.
This veteran housing project is one part of Washington City's broader efforts to address housing affordability. The city is also assessing other parcels for potential recreation spaces and additional affordable housing developments. In a parallel initiative, Washington City is collaborating with state trust lands, managed by the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, and a private developer to create a 220-unit subdivision of affordable starter homes off Country Way. Council Member Ivie noted that this project also involves shared concessions, with state trust lands and the developer taking less, and the city modifying its fees to ensure affordability.
The potential for replicating these strategies across Utah is significant. Jordan Hess mentioned that about 65% of Utah's land is federally owned and 10% is state-owned, according to data from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, suggesting ample opportunity for similar projects. USA Project Valor alone is already planning several more sites in Northern Utah and St. George. Council Member Ivie recalled that the concept was introduced years ago, with city leadership seeing the potential in utilizing various state and federal remnant properties for affordable housing for many groups, not just veterans. He reiterated the city's commitment to closing the gap between income and housing costs.
Kole Staheli, a U.S. Army veteran of 20 years and a 64-year resident of Washington City, praised the community's support for veterans. He underscored the difficulty veterans face in finding affordable housing throughout Utah and southern Utah, despite many wishing to stay in the area. Staheli expressed pride in Washington City for setting a precedent, stating, "There is a great need, and this, I believe, is just the first step." He hopes this project will initiate a trend of increased housing resources for veterans.
The design phase for the veteran housing units is nearing completion, and USA Project Valor anticipates starting construction in the near future. Veterans interested in applying for residency can do so through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to receive a waiver of eligibility, which then allows them to apply locally.
