State reports early municipal interest in CHIP portal; three applications appear shovel-ready

During the Feb. 4 hearing on S.327, committee members heard an update on the CHIP (Community Housing Investment Program) portal. Jessica, a program presenter, said the portal opened last Friday and the office has received five pre-application interest forms and inquiries from 14 municipalities.

"We have formally received 5 interest form pre application interest forms," Jessica reported, and she said three full applications currently appear viable and shovel-ready, with possible construction as early as spring, summer or fall 2026. Staff noted a series of free webinars were recorded and posted online and that the office will host six virtual office‑hour sessions in February to assist municipalities with the portal and applications.

Committee members welcomed the early interest and asked staff to return with more details as applications proceed toward complete filings and any requests for state assistance. No funding decisions were made at the session.