Big River Community Land Trust says it has been awarded a $2 million federal grant to put toward developing 40 affordable homes in the Hood River area.  Big River CLT recently acquired 2.7 acres on Avalon Drive to create a cluster of affordable homes.  The organization says the grant will allow it to accelerate planning, site preparation, and construction for moderately sized homes set up to remain affordable through the community land trust model.  Big River CLT says it is about halfway to its $4 million goal to cover development expenses and administrative costs, and is turning to the community for additional support to reach that target.  Those wishing to help can go to bigriverclt.org.