NEBRASKA CITY – Nebraska City commissioners agreed to join the Southeast Rural Workforce Housing Grant Consortium.

Nebraska City, Henderson, Falls City and the Southeast Nebraska Affordable Housing Council will each contribute $200,000 for a total of $800,000 in matching funds. The state legislature earlier allocated $1 million for the cause.

Economic Developer Dan Mauk said the program will allow communities to offer loans at rates lower than the market rate to encourage builders for housing.

Nebraska City will use $81,000 from its Growth Fund, $56,000 from the affordable housing trust and $62,000 from ARPA funds.

The city council chose Facilities and Construction Manager Marty Stovall to represent Nebraska City on the consortium board.