LOUISVILLE, Ky.— Pike County housing officials traveled to the Louisville Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office on Tuesday to close a $1.8 million loan to construct 16 low-income, elderly housing units in Elkhorn City.

The Pike County Housing Authority (PCHA) was awarded the $1.8 million federal HUD grant in July, along with another grant in the amount of $122,750, that the PCHA already received to cover the project’s planning costs. U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers helped the PCHA get the nearly $2 million in HUD grants, and the 16 housing units will be built between the former Elkhorn City High School and the former Elkhorn City Elementary School.

“We have a severe shortage of housing in Pike County and these 16 additional housing units are much needed. Though the units will not correct the housing shortage in our area, they are certainly much appreciated, and the Pike County Fiscal Court will continue to work with the Pike County Housing Authority towards creating even more affordable housing for our citizens,” said Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford.

“Now that we have received this money, construction on the units will begin within two weeks. We are so excited about this project! These units are greatly needed and we are looking forward to being able to better serve the people of Pike County,” said PCHA Executive Director Gaye Newsome.

“I’m tickled to death that this project is a step closer to becoming a reality,” said District Three Magistrate Leo Murphy. “These units are a great way to utilize the property where the old high school and elementary school were located,” he added.

“We’re all looking forward to putting the old school property to good use by putting more affordable housing onto it. There are definitely those in the community who will utilize the housing units, and I am thankful for the Pike County Housing Authority and the Office of Wayne T. Rutherford for promoting the project. It will certainly be a welcome addition here in Elkhorn,” said Elkhorn City Mayor Bill Powell.

According to Newsome, the PCHA is now accepting applications for the 16 new housing units. Eight low-income elderly housing units already exist in Elkhorn