Iowa Grant Program To Fund Environmental Assessment And Cleanup

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources – Financial and Business Assistance (FABA) Program has created the Derelict Building Grant Program. The program was established to assist small communities and rural counties in improving the attractiveness and appearance of their jurisdictions by providing them financial assistance to address derelict buildings. In accordance with the statutory requirement on how these funds are to be used the emphasis will be on landfill diversion through the recycling and reuse of building materials.

The eligibility requirements will entail the derelict building be located in a town or unincorporated county area of 5,000 residents or less and require the building to be owned or in the process of being owned by the town or county. The program will provide the following:

100% reimbursement for a certified Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) inspection.
100% reimbursement, not to exceed $5,000, for removing ACM. A 50% cost share is required for those costs exceeding $5,000.
100% reimbursement not to exceed $3,000 for conducting a Phase I Environmental Audit. Applicant is responsible for all costs exceeding $3,000.
50% reimbursement not to exceed $5,000 for conducting a Phase II Environmental Audit.
Building Renovation: If the building is going to be renovated, 50% reimbursement not to exceed $25,000 is available for offsetting costs related to removing materials for reuse, either at the site or offsite, or for recycling. The grant also compensates for the purchase and installation of reused or recycled materials that will be incorporated into the project.
Deconstruction: If the building is going to be deconstructed, 50% reimbursement not to exceed $50,000 is available for offsetting costs related to deconstruction.

The program is funded by the DNR’s Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) for the next three years. DNR is partnering with Keep Iowa Beautiful in the application and review process.

Caltha LLP assists clients in Iowa and nationwide in meeting Due Diligence, Environmental Site Assessment and Environmental Review requirements. To request a quote on-line, go to Caltha Environmental Assessment Quote Web Page.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website