The Winder Housing Authority, which operates more than 300 public housing units in the city and surrounding areas, is set to receive more than $400,000 in federal funding.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded more than $1.9 billion to public housing authorities across the country, with $72 million awarded to the state of Georgia, $453,700 of which will go toward improvements in the Winder area.

According to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, the funding is a step toward addressing a $25.6 billion backlog in large-scale repair and renovation costs facing public housing authorities across the country. These improvements are those required to make housing decent and economically sustainable, including roofs replacements or updates to plumbing and electrical systems that increase energy efficiency.

“While this funding will certainly help housing authorities address long-standing capital improvements, it only scratches the surface in addressing the deep backlog we’re seeing across the country,” Donovan said.

Look for a follow-up story on the Winder Housing Authority's plans for the funding.