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AP: A Build America, Buy America law is causing construction delays amid the US housing crisis
HUD's slow waiver approvals under the Build America, Buy America law have caused costly delays in affordable housing projects nationwide, with some waivers pending over six months.
- The Build America, Buy America Act, signed by President Joe Biden in 2021, is stalling affordable housing projects nationwide as developers struggle to verify materials carry the required "Made in the USA" label.
- Staff reductions at the Department of Housing and Urban Development have hindered the waiver process, with the agency greenlighting only a handful of projects. Critics note the agency takes at least six months to approve waivers.
- Vermont-Based Developer Jessica Neubelt spent an additional $150,000 just to verify iron and steel compliance, while Denver developer Julie Hoebel paid over $60,000 for consultants. Both report the process diverts critical resources from building homes.
- Westbrook Development Corporation president Tyler Norod said, "We've sort of resigned ourselves that we're just gonna build less units." Kentucky developer Scott McReynolds is avoiding federal funding to bypass BABA rules entirely.
- HUD Secretary Scott Turner stated the agency is looking into the issue without providing specific solutions. Scott Paul of the Alliance for American Manufacturing contends the system is necessary to reduce reliance on imported materials.
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A Build America, Buy America law is causing construction delays amid the US housing crisis
A law requiring that most materials in federally funded affordable housing are made in America is fully kicking in. But it is wreaking havoc on affordable developments.
·United States
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Affordable housing construction squeezed by ‘Buy America’ requirement
It has a catchy name—Build America, Buy America—and the lauded goal of bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. But the law has spurred a bottleneck for affordable housing. Nearly everything from HVACs and lighting to sink hooks and ceiling fans in affordable housing projects that get federal dollars must carry the Made in the USA label. But, developers say, numerous products do not, as they have long been imported from overseas markets with…
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Total News Sources44
Leaning Left15Leaning Right1Center20Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Center
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
55% Center
L 42%
C 55%
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