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<br />ANALYSIS 57 <br /> <br />Finally, the traditional housing industry might be utilized more effec- <br />tively by: (a) insistence upon better data from energy companies rela- <br />tive to the magnitude and duration of employment, (b) timely provision of <br />utilities, primarily water and sewer, and (c) increased use of the planned <br />unit development (PUD) concept in smaller areas. <br /> <br />Effective use of existing government housing programs. One of the more <br />timely methods of addressing housing problems in energy-impact areas is <br />through more effective utilization of existing government programs. This <br />approach takes full advantage of established programs and agencies, with <br />emphasis on expansion of present capabilities. <br /> <br />It is important that all levels of government recognize the special hous- <br />ing needs of energy-impact areas, and make special provisions for meeting <br />those needs. As a major supplier of housing funds, the federal government <br />could formally recognize such specialized needs by amending the Housing <br />and Community Development Act of 1974, with special emphasis on coordinat- <br />ing housing and community development efforts in energy-impacted communi- <br />ties. The act presently recognizes special needs of the elderly, the <br />handicapped, households headed by females and minority groups. <br /> <br />, <br /> <br />In addition to including provisions for identifying and accommodating spe- <br />cial housing needs in energy-impacted areas, the federal government can <br />provide financial assistance in meeting those needs. This could be ac- <br />complished through the two principal federal housing agencies--the Depart- <br />ment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Agricul- <br />ture, through Farmers Home Administration (FmHA). Both departments make <br />funds available for home financing (both single and multifamily) and hous- <br />ing rehabilitation. Fanners Home programs are restricted to communities <br />of 20,000 population or less; HUD can work throughout the state. <br /> <br />J <br /> <br />Colorado receives approximately one percent of the HUD and FmHA housing <br />allocations. In 1975, Colorado applications for the FmHA 515 Program ex- <br />ceeded the $2.5 million allocation by $6.0 million. Applications for the <br /> <br />0413 <br />