FERRIDAY — A $300,000 housing and economic development grant is on its way to Ferriday.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will award the funds to Macon Ridge Community Development Corporation as part of $25 million that are being awarded to 85 rural housing programs nationwide.

Macon Ridge President Buddy Spillars said the non-profit corporation will use approximately $90,000 of the funds — along with its own money — to relocate its office and open a warehouse facility.

When able, the group uses contractors determined to economically disadvantaged, and Spillars said that means many of the contractors work out of their trucks.

“We are going to let some of these sub-contractors use our warehouse to store their equipment and supplies,” he said.

While the contractors don’t necessarily have to have a state license to do everything, many of them do not have a state license, which limits their ability to do some work, Spillars said.

Approximately $50,000 of the grant will be used to train the subcontractors and help them get their license, as well as give them some basic business training, he said.

“If we could teach these smaller contractors and assist them in getting their license, then they become eligible to bid on some other projects,” Spillars said.

The corporation will also purchase some equipment small-time contractors may not have for them to use.

“A painter may have a step-ladder or an extension ladder, but he may not have scaffolding,” Spillars said.

A majority of the funds will be used to create a revolving loan fund to help the subcontractors get started, he said.

“This will help them have the capacity to hire people and get their feet on the ground,” he said.

Macon Ridge will use those businesses to help rehabilitate existing houses or build new ones, Spillars said.

In the news release announcing the awarding of the grant, U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander said the grant would help Ferriday by addressing both the need for affordable housing and jobs.

“The Fifth Congressional District is one of the poorest regions in America,” Alexander said. “I am confident this funding will further develop and strengthen Ferriday by providing the means to boost the local economy and provide affordable, quality housing to residents.”

For more information, contact Spillars at 318-757-2361.