(KLZA)--With the announcement that Excel Development has been awarded more than $260 thousand in housing tax credits and a half-million in HOME Investment Partnership funds to build an additional 16 affordable senior housing units earlier this week, Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Lucas Froeschl said this will help aid a housing shortage that is effecting workers moving to Falls City.

The total project cost of the new units is estimated at nearly $4.8 million which Froeschl says will help increase the tax base which he feels is part of the job of the economic development group.

Froeschl also noted that the newly constructed 33rd Street from Highway 73, west to Bill Schock Boulevard, aligning with Community Medical Center should be open to traffic the first week in November.

In addition, an entrance has been created to a 19-acre commercial development site east of Highway 73. Anyone interested in investing in a business on that property can contact EDGE at 402-245-2105.