Two federal agencies have agreed to study how to trim the duplicate paperwork that slows affordable housing construction in rural communities such as Ruskin and Wimauma, a step local builders say is long overdue.

The agreement between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture was signed Sept. 29. It directs the agencies to examine ways to coordinate environmental reviews and to explore joint property inspections for projects funded by both. The stated goal is to reduce duplication in the development process.

It follows the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, signed into law July 11. Under that law, HUD and USDA must report their progress and recommendations to Congress by July of next year.

HUD Secretary Scott Turner said cutting red tape has been a top priority, pointing to bureaucracy “stifling building and development” at the federal, state, and local levels.

Builders on the ground describe the cost of delay. Yvette Dickinson, construction project manager for Florida Home Partnership, said the wait leaves prospective homeowners unable to see “the light at the end of the tunnel.” She said the slow process discourages ownership, and that many people now simply prefer to rent because it is easier.

Kevin Flynn, president of the Florida Council for Affordable and Rural Housing, said developers often juggle multiple funding sources, each with its own requirements. Aligning inspection standards across agencies, he said, would let providers know what to expect. He called the current setup a burden over the years.

For now, the agreement commits the agencies only to examine and explore changes, and the July report to Congress is the one firm checkpoint. Whether the effort cuts delays and delivers more affordable homes in rural Florida remains to be seen.

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