Routt County housing officials and the local housing authority reported two development updates: a prescreening and outreach launch for the Cottonwoods homeownership project and a likely partial grant recommendation to fund water and sewer upgrades at Whitehaven mobile home park.

The housing authority said a prescreening form, social media campaign, press release and an email newsletter to roughly 250 prospective buyers went live this week for the Cottonwoods project. The prescreen will let prospective buyers know whether they qualify in the roughly 100%–140% area median income bracket described by the authority, staff said.

On Whitehaven, authority staff said they presented to the state Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund in Grand Junction and were recommended for a partial award, not full funding. A staff member summarized the likely outcome, “You were recommended for partial to full. Do not expect full funded,” and later estimated the county should expect roughly 60%–75% of the request, while noting the final award is not yet set.

County staff clarified that the Whitehaven water and sewer work would tie to the Steamboat Springs municipal system; the housing authority would own the upgraded portion until a state loan is repaid, at which point the infrastructure would be dedicated to the city. Officials said that timeline is expected to be about 10 years before dedication.

Housing staff also discussed Pinion Pines Estates, where the Town of Hayden has struggled to secure a commitment from the park owner to transition to owner‑occupied status before an expiring deadline. County staff said they are assisting residents but that the owner’s decision remains unresolved.

No formal county action or vote was taken during the work session; staff said they will continue to report updates as grant awards and ownership decisions are finalized.