KINGSTON - Ulster County has been awarded $750,000 to expand homeownership opportunities in the county. The county sought the funding from the New York State Office of Community Renewal.

The program is expected to assist 33 households in Ulster and provide nearly $5.2 million of additional private equity funding.

The program is designed to provide gap financing and minor rehabilitation to lower housing costs to levels affordable to those making less than 80 percent of the area's median income. Home ownership counseling is included to ensure that those assisted remain in their homes once purchased.

The Rural Ulster Preservation Company will provide program delivery for the County.

"RUPCO is committed to expanding homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income households within Ulster County,” said Executive Director Kevin O'Connor. “We have worked with Ulster County on prior successful applications and look forward to providing program delivery services for this project. "