Editor’s Note: The final paragraph has been edited to correct an error in reporting on the applications. Region XII will apply for inclusion. Only after they are approved to be part of the grant program will it be opened to applications from residents.
Region XII Council of Governments has received the approval of county officials to participate in the Iowa Economic Development Authorities’ (IEDA) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Local Assistance Director, Chris Whitaker, says the IEDA has expanded the program, making more Carroll County residents eligible for participation.
This is for up to five different projects and will provide 50 percent down-payment assistance as required by the lender. The grants can also include up to $3,500 for closing costs along with expenses related to lead-based paint abatement, tech fees and property inspections. Whitaker identifies one of the major requirements.
Region XII believes this will better serve the area by approaching it as a countywide application rather than going from city to city.
Whitaker says it will be easier for people to qualify for the CDBG program as the income requirement is below 80 percent of area median income, which is $48,000 for a two-person household and $60,000 for a four-person household. These are set up as five-year forgivable loans and are provided on a reimbursement basis. There is no local match required, just some publication fees and public hearings, with which the county will assist. Region XII will now move forward with an application for Carroll County to be included in the grant program. This is done on a first-come, first-served basis. The IEDA will begin reviewing these July 1 and will notify Region XII if they have been selected sometime this the fall.
