(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with the Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) recently co-hosted a workshop on the Derelict Building Grant Program offered in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Region 12 Council of Governments (COG), and Iowa Waste Exchange. The program is seeking applications to inspect, renovate, and deconstruct commercial or public structures that have sat vacant for at least 6 months.

The focus of the program is landfill diversion through recycling and reuse of building materials and the elimination of hazards both inside and out posed by these empty structures. SWIPCO held a workshop on November 2nd at The Venue in Atlantic to share information with cities about the process from start to finish. They were also able to share some success stories on previously completed projects. Reid Burmel, Environmental Specialist Senior, who manages the Derelict Building Grant Program with the Iowa DNR and Paige Alesch, Iowa Waste Exchange Resource Specialist, both shared their knowledge at the workshop.

The DBGP workshop that was hosted November 2nd at The Venue in Atlantic. (Photo & info. courtesy Chris Parks, SWIPCO Communications Coordinator)

The program was established in 2011 and has assisted 123 communities with 169 projects. Over 77,106 tons of materials have been diverted from landfills at a disposal savings of $2.9 million over the years.

Only a city government for Iowa towns of 5,000 or fewer residents can apply, and they must own or be in the process of owning the building. The structure must not reside on the National Historic Register. Applicants can seek funding assistance with conducting asbestos inspections and abatement, structural engineering analysis, site assessments, building deconstruction, and building renovation expenses.

The current fiscal year application deadline is February 23, 2024. Cities interested in the program can contact Dani Briggs, SWIPCO Lead Planner at 712-243-4196 ext 219 or email danielle.briggs@swipco.org