RIGA, Sept 26 (LETA) - The Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA) has received 27 applications from local governments seeking European Union funds for construction of social housing, with projected investments from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) totaling almost EUR 40.5 million, the CFCA informed LETA.

The EU funding program, developed by the Economics Ministry, is intended to provide socially and economically vulnerable persons with access to housing that meets decent living standards, as well as to reduce lines for renting such housing in municipalities.

A total of 1121 apartments will be built or modernized in two stages under the program, said the CFCA.

During the first stage, five projects with 168 apartments in Kurzeme are seeking ERDF funding of EUR 3,609,181 in total, three projects with 229 apartments in Riga - EUR 3,364,115, five projects with 143 apartments in Vidzeme - EUR 2,103,250, four projects with 78 apartments in Latgale - EUR 1,160,247, and two projects with 50 apartments in Zemgale - EUR 729,500.

During the second stage, four projects with 110 apartments are to be implemented in Vidzeme for EUR 10,182,150, one project with 242 apartments in Riga - EUR 10 million, two projects with 68 apartments in Kurzeme - EUR 6,294,420, and one project with 33 apartments in Latgale - EUR 3,054,645.

The CFCA was accepting project applications from June 10 to September 10. Local governments can implement their projects until the end of 2029.