The Iowa DNR reports beginning Aug. 10th, small Iowa communities (those with populations of 5,000 or less) can apply for funding to perform asbestos inspections on neglected buildings in a special round of funding from the DNR’s Derelict Building Grant Program. One area of focus for the Derelict Building Grant Program is asbestos inspection and removal. If a building collapses and the presence of asbestos is unknown, it can increase the economic burden on the community. This round of funding may be used by eligible communities to investigate the amount of asbestos present in a building.

The Derelict Building Grant Program provides small communities and rural counties financial assistance for abandoned commercial and public structures to improve the appearance of their streets, revitalize local economies and alleviate the environmental concerns these buildings can pose. This is a one-time opportunity; projects selected may apply for funding in 2016 for additional program-related tasks.

For more information and application details, go to www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/LandStewardship/WasteManagement/BusinessIndustry/DerelictBuildingProgram.aspx or contact Scott Flagg at 515-725-8318 or Scott.Flagg@dnr.iowa.gov.

No applications will be accepted after 4 p.m. on Aug. 21st.