Carroll County has been notified by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) that they have been awarded a Community Development Block Grant of $211,500. The program typically offers forgivable loans to low- to moderate-income homeowners to assist with rehabilitation costs for energy efficiency, exterior improvements and the removal of architectural barriers to allow for aging in the home. But this year, there is a new element to the program that residents can use to help with a purchase, and Carroll County has been approved to participate in down payment assistance loans for five homes. The maximum amount is $24,999 per unit to cover up to half of the down payment and the closing costs. Buyers could also receive additional aid for lead hazard reduction and technical services. Region XII Council of Governments will be overseeing the application and distribution processes. By designating this from a county-wide perspective, it opens the applications to residents in cities and rural areas throughout Carroll County. For more information or to secure an application, contact Region XII Housing Program Coordinator, Karla Janning, at 792-9914 or by email at kjanning@region12cog.org. Area Exterior Housing Improvement awards include: $254,000 each for six projects in the cities of Audubon, Denison and Exira and $169,400 for four projects in Panora. “Region XII COG staff is proud to have worked with these communities to develop successful applications to improve the housing stock and housing opportunities for area residents,” says Local Assistance Director, Chris Whitaker.
