Armed with a $3.3 million federal grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Housing Authority of Snohomish County (HASCO) will purchase and develop two parcels of land in Marysville.

The property, located between Ash and Beach avenues, will provide housing for 19 low-income families in two- and three-bedroom units.

The land became available due to the foreclosure from a previous builder who also planned to develop apartment buildings. HASCO was able to purchase the parcels from the lender using funds from the federal government's economic stimulus program.

The Housing Authority will keep the building plans similar to those of the previous contractor and make necessary changes during the process if needed. The grant will also trickle down to create rent subsidies for the residents of the apartments, with families paying no more than 30 percent of their income on rent.

To qualify for housing, a family of four can earn no more than $40,000 per year. The wait for subsidized housing can be from three to five years. Currently more than 5,000 people are on the agency's waiting list. HASCO owns and operates approximately 2,000 housing units in Snohomish County.

Construction of the Marysville project could begin in the spring, with completion by the end of 2010. The total cost of the development is estimated at $5.8 million.

To find more information about the Housing Authority of Snohomish County and determine if you qualify for assistance, visit the Web site at www.hasco.org.

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