PHOTO RELEASE: New Housing Complex Opens to Wasco Residents

Jan 10 2019 | Wasco

WASCO, Calif. – Today, the City of Wasco opened Rosaleda Village, a new housing complex to residents, with the help of several federal and state agencies, including the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority). The new 17-acre complex located on the southside of Gromer Avenue features more than 200 units and allows for easier access to schools, shopping centers and other activities. The former housing facility was located east of the BNSF railroad line on 6th and J Street and next to the high-speed rail alignment being constructed through Wasco.

As an alternative to building a sound barrier wall to mitigate noise impacts, the Authority instead allocated $10 million to the Wasco Farmworkers Housing Relocation Project. The allocation helped the relocation project leverage several other existing resources and programs to improve the living conditions for residents.

“Our team recognized the long-term benefits of relocating this community to an area that would allow for safety improvements and faster response times for emergency personnel. Families will no longer need to cross the railroad tracks to get to school and the rest of the city,” said Central Valley Regional Director Diana Gomez.

“This project represents the positive impact that can be made when Federal, State and Local agencies work together to better the quality of life for local residents. The City of Wasco is proud to be a partner on this project that will better integrate over 200 local families in to the community and provide easier access to community resources including local schools, shopping and services,” said Wasco City Manager Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez.

The cost for the project was approximately $49 million comprised of $10 million from the Authority, $20 million from Low Income Housing Tax Credits, $18 million from the state’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program and $300,000 in existing project reserves with the City of Wasco.

Multiple groups helped to make the project a reality, including the Wasco Housing Authority, the Strategic Growth Council and the Governor’s Rural Community Outreach program.

Construction is underway for the first 119-miles of high-speed rail in the Central Valley, creating more than 2500 labor jobs and putting hundreds of small businesses to work.

#####