KINGSTON, N.Y. — Ulster County is making $2 million available for affordable and workforce housing projects as it opens the third round of its Housing Action Fund.

Applications open Sept. 17 and are due by 3 p.m. Dec. 11.

The latest funding round includes a new category aimed at housing for workers in key local industries, including agriculture, skilled trades, health care, home health care, the arts and essential public services.

The fund supports affordable rental and homeownership projects, supportive and emergency housing, preservation of existing affordable housing and housing-related public infrastructure.

The county generally targets households earning up to 80% of area median income. Projects receiving grants must keep units affordable for at least 50 years, with priority given to those providing permanent affordability.

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said the new workforce category is intended to help workers such as EMTs, teachers, home health aides, farmworkers and tradespeople continue to live in the county.

The Ulster County Planning Department will hold a virtual informational webinar at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 for prospective applicants. Questions about the application are due Nov. 20 and should be sent to haf@ulstercounty.gov.

The Housing Action Fund was established in 2023 as a $15 million initiative. During its first two rounds, the county committed $4.45 million to 10 projects. One has been completed and occupied, five are under construction and four are in pre-development.

More information is available through the county’s Housing Action Fund website.