Flint River Trail Receives $423,000 from Federal Recreational Trails Program

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1 Flint River Trail Receives $423,000 from Federal Recreational Trails Program The Flint River Trail, a cooperative effort between the City of Burlington and Des Moines County, has received $423,000 from Iowa DOT Federal Recreational Trails Program. Funds will be applied to Phase IA, to connect trail from approximately Hwy 61 east through Starr s Cave Park and Preserve to Irish Ridge Road, approximately 2.2 miles. The most difficult and dangerous trail crossing along the 20+ mile route, at Hwy 61, will be accomplished by utilizing state right of way under the bridge. In its ninth year of development, the Flint River Trail will be the longest stretch of off-road recreational trail in southeast Iowa. Previous sections have opened in Burlington off of Tama Rd, and in Des Moines County, from Flint Bottom Road to Big Hollow Recreation Area (this section is a mix of on and off-road trail).

2 $2.8 million in CDBG Grants Submitted has submitted its CDBG grants for the FY2014 funding cycle. Included were: Water/Sewer: ($600,000) City of Mount Pleasant, Jay St Sewer $600,000 Housing Rehabilitation ($959,970) Salem $319,990 Fort Madison $319,990 Wayland $319,990 Community Facilities $800,000 Hope Haven Area Development Center $800,000 Downtown Façade Program (Due Jan 22) $500,000 City of Keokuk $500,000 Detailed planning is needed to submit for CDBG grants. Please contact staff for more information if you are interested in utilizing CDBG for any upcoming projects. Housing: Dan Eberhardt, , All other: Tracey Lamm, , As a reminder, prepares grant applications free for duespaying members. Contact us with questions or projects!

3 Housing Assistance Available: Development, Down payment, Rehab from Great River Housing Developer Assistance: Great River Housing, Inc. has developer assistance funds available for new or rehabilitated single family homes. Homes must be sold or rented to low to moderate income residents. Homes may be new construction, or significantly rehabilitated. Nearly all development costs are eligible. Up to $25,000 or 50% of project costs available per project, whichever is less. Down payment Assistance: Up to $5,000 is available in down payment assistance for low to moderate income buyers in southeast Iowa. Assistance happens at closing, and is a non-receding loan that is paid back when the home sells. Rehab Assistance: Owner-occupied assistance is available as well. Low to moderate income homeowners can be assisted by a combination grant/loan or loan to improve critical home systems, like heating, building envelope (roof, siding, windows), access, structural concerns or other improvements. Please see front page, or more information on these housing programs. For more information, please contact Dan Eberhardt at deberhardt@seirpc.com or

4 recognized in 28H of the Iowa Code. Available Funding Sources State Revolving Fund (SRF) Projects Applications Ongoing Loan funding to assist in financing design and construction of wastewater facilities, clean water infrastructure, drinking water infrastructure, soil and erosion control and storm water projects. CDBG Economic Development Set Aside Applications Ongoing Provides grants and loans to businesses expanding or starting. Contingent on businesses hiring preference towards LMI individuals. CDBG Funds: Water/Sewer applications due on November 15 th Housing applications due on November 15 th Community Facilities applications due on December 15 th Downtown Revitalization applications due on January 3rd Call Tracey Lamm with questions or potential projects. Brownfield Tax Credits Applications Ongoing Provides tax credits to projects in grayfield or brownfield areas. Many different development projects apply, including downtown development. Tax credits are provided on a first come first serve basis. Revitalize Iowa s Sound Economy (RISE) Ongoing Funding to provide access to businesses expanding, starting or relocating from out of state. Local development 50% Immediate Opportunity 80% cost share. Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) and River Enhancement CAT January 2014, ongoing depending on funding Tourism, recreation, and entertainment capital projects. Water Recreation Access Grant January 31 IDNR funding for docks, boat ramps, shoreline projects, etc.

5 recognized in 28H of the Iowa Code. Available Funding Sources (cont d) Solid Waste Management Grant Program Due Dec USDA funds to help with various solid waste projects including studies and implementation. Solid Waste Alternatives Program Due Dec Programs to encourage landfill alternatives recycling, diversion, etc. Iowa Great Places Due January Funding for cultural initiatives and major projects that make an area unique. Alliant Energy Foundation Due January2015 Community enhancement projects Regional Surface Transportation Program (STP) Due Dec Applications are submitted to for primarily road projects. Competitive awards are made to cities and counties separately. Contact for additional information. Regional Transportation Alternatives (TA) Due Dec Applications are submitted to for alternative projects like trails, and trail bridges, roadway beautification and other uses. Contact for more information. Derelict Building Program Due Feb. 28, 2014 For cities under 5,000. Provides assistance for cleanup and reuse. Contact for more information