Brent Howard lauds Altus for obtaining Commerce Department infrastructure incentives

ALTUS – Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, on Tuesday praised the city of Altus for securing millions of dollars in financial incentives for infrastructure improvements at a new housing development on city-owned property near Altus Air Force Base.

Last week, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce awarded the city a $5.17 million Public Private Partnership (P3) Pooled Finance incentive to help cover the costs of a new detention pond and related infrastructure upgrades to prevent flooding and improve drainage at The Trails housing development at Veterans Court.

As the region faces a housing shortage, home builders are working with the city to construct dozens of new townhomes at the Trails housing development. The first phase of the development will include at least 112 new units. Additional units are expected to be built in future development phases. Capital investment for the project is expected to exceed $40.5 million.

City officials have been working with private developers for years to increase the supply of affordable apartments, homes and condos in the area for temporary and permanent military personnel and civilian employees.

“Altus Air Force Base is the region’s largest local employer and a critical economic engine,” Howard said. “I commend city leaders for their proactive approach to addressing the local housing shortage. By expanding housing for military personnel and their families, Altus Air Force Base will be better positioned to train more service members, accommodate additional missions, and continue its growth. I also want to thank the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for recognizing the city’s hard work by providing financial support for these key infrastructure initiatives.”

For more information, contact: Sen. Howard at (405) 521-5612 or Brent.Howard@oksenate.gov