DES MOINES – State funds are available for help renovating dilapidated buildings in small Iowa towns, and grant applications are now being accepted.
The next round of funding for the 2018 Derelict Building Grant Program is open for applications through April 4 at 4 p.m.
The grant program was instituted by state legislation to help rural communities with populations of 5,000 or less to deconstruct or renovate abandoned commercial and public structures.
The program emphasizes reuse and recycling of building items, helps improve street appearance and commercial development, and alleviates the environmental concern these buildings can pose. Financial assistance includes asbestos removal, building deconstruction and renovation, and other environmental services.
Funding is awarded annually on a competitive basis. A committee from the Iowa DNR, Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations, Iowa Recycling Association, Iowa Economic Development Authority and Keep Iowa Beautiful selects the projects for funding. For more information and to obtain an application on the Derelict Building Grant Program, contact Scott Flagg at 515-725-8318 or Scott.Flagg@dnr.iowa.gov.
The great consolidation began in the mid 90’s. Little businesses have been shuttered ever since. Wars are expensive. And most all the politicians are now doing the razzle dazzle shuffle. A reality show at it finest. They need to send us army surplus bulldozers so we can start to recycle these eye sores. Give us green spaces where we can go fly kites until they get their act together and bring the jobs back for all. The roll call of the local jail is filled the faces of discarded people who never had a chance. Shame on you for throwing these people away. There everywhere across America now in droves.
The wealthy 1% at work. More smoke and mirrors. Go get your money while it lasts. Rural Iowa deserves it!
These towns are on there way out. Have been for awhile. We don’t need living history towns. For what, tourist. These towns are going by the way of old route 69. How about using this money for Mason City. History galore in River City. Fix the buildings up or better yet tear them down and make green spaces. Making way for modern building when the job fairy returns. I’m all for that. Make it happen. lol