~by The Scranton Journal
Scranton and Jefferson were selected to receive funding for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation through the state of Iowa CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) program. The announcement of more than $7.4 million in funding by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) was made on June 29.
Region XII Council of Governments filed the applications and will administer the programs to facilitate improvements and rehabilitation of owner-occupied housing.
Scranton will receive $164,000 to be used to update four qualified homes. Jefferson was tabbed for $245,000 that will be utilized on six homes.
“The assistance we provide through the CDBG program allows us to make strategic investments in Iowa’s smaller communities,” said Debi Durham, director of the IEDA. “Thousands of Iowans will see rehabilitated housing, new community facilities and exciting enhancements in their downtowns as a result of these projects.”
The CDBG program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program enables communities to improve housing conditions for low income homeowners. IEDA received 51 applications totaling $14 million in funding requests for this program. The group approved 27 communities for $7.4 million.
The cities applied for and received the grant funds to provide income-qualified homeowners assistance to complete substantial repairs to their homes. Assistance varies with the grant program, but is generally provided as a forgivable loan or with little or no interest on the modest monthly payments.
Karla Janning heads the program at Region XII COG. Applicants must fill out forms and verify income, expenses and other information. In Jefferson, the targeted area for the projects is primarily the two blocks north of W. Lincoln Way between Elm St and Grimmell Road.
Homeowners interested in taking advantage of the funding should contact Janning at 712-775-7825 or the city clerk offices in Scranton and Jefferson.
