Georgetown, Del., March 28, 2006: Sussex County is urging builders interested in offering economical housing through a new program to submit their applications now, as the deadline for the first qualifying round is approaching in early April.

Applicants have until April 10, 2006, to submit their proposals for the newly created Moderately Priced Housing Unit program, which aims to increase the county’s housing stock for middle-income professionals, such as teachers, nurses and police officers. Adopted by Sussex County Council in January, the MPHU ordinance is an incentive-based program the county is offering in hopes it will attract developers to construct more attainable housing for thousands of Sussex County residents.

In exchange for agreeing to build housing that is affordable to households earning between $31,000 and $74,000 annually, developers can win expedited reviews and increased densities for their projects. Those wishing to participate in the program must meet a variety of criteria to qualify. Applicants will be scored based on their proposals, and considered accordingly for participation in the program.

The guidelines and application can be found on the county’s Web site. Applications must be turned in by no later than 4 p.m. April 10, 2006, to be considered.