The Austin School Board on Monday approved two more tax abatements under a joint city, county and school district program designed to attract more housing development in the community.

The school board unanimously approved applications submitted by Scott Fox for a single-family residential project on 29th Avenue Northeast estimated to cost between $450,000-$500,000; and Patrick and Angela Harty for another single-family residential project on Sixth Street Northeast estimated to cost $450,000, according to district Executive Director of Finance and Operations Mark Stotts.

The twin approvals mark the third and fourth requests for abatements by the district through the program — now called the Austin Housing Initiative. The abatements waive the increase in property tax that would come with the new construction for five years. After that time, the full tax impact will be received. Owners still have to pay the “bare land” taxes.

The county approved requests from Fox and Darren Wendt at its Tuesday morning meeting. Fox’s was approved Monday by the Austin City Council.

The incentive was brought forward by the city of Austin earlier this year when its housing committee suggested it as a way to address the shortage of housing for its workforce.

According to City Administrator Craig Clark, six new homes were built in Austin in 2015. In four years, it is estimated, Austin will need another 300 rental units and 118 single family or townhome units. The Austin Housing Initiative is patterned after a program in use in Nobles County.

Both applicants on Monday told the School Board that the abatement program was a significant part of their decision to build in Austin.

“From my standpoint, it helped me make my decision” to build, said Fox.

The Hartys agreed.

“We heard about this program … and it gave us incentive to do this,” Angela Harty said.

Superintendent David Krenz reminded board members that while the district does not receive the increased taxes for five years, it does not lose existing tax on the property.

“It’s unique … it really doesn’t hurt us,” he said. “That’s the nice thing about the statute [that allows the abatement].”