(DES MOINES) – Governor Reynolds today (Tuesday), announced the first round of awards through the State Disaster Recovery New Housing Grant Program. More than $7.2 million has been awarded to support the construction of 175 single-family and multifamily homes across eleven projects in disaster-impacted communities, including Cherokee, Crescent, Minden, Rock Rapids, Rock Valley and Spencer.  (See the chart below for specific details)

“Today’s awards are about more than building housing,” said Gov. Reynolds. “They’re about restoring the sense of home that is vital to these disaster-impacted communities. This support will help them begin to heal and find stability once again.”

The State Disaster Recovery New Housing Grant Program provides financial assistance for the development of new housing in communities significantly impacted by the disasters in counties eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance under a federal disaster declaration. It offers developers grant funding of up to $1 million per project to assist in the development of housing units for sale and rent, with a preference given to single-family detached units, duplex and townhouse style developments.

The program had a total of $10 million available and applications are being accepted and scored on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or December 31, 2024.  The program is administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). More information about the program as well as other disaster-related programs and resources, visit disasterrecovery.iowa.gov.

Iowans are encouraged to be on the alert for disaster scams. State of Iowa disaster recovery programs do not charge a one-time or monthly fee to apply for assistance. To report a disaster recovery scam, contact the Office of the Attorney General of Iowa’s Consumer Protection Division at 888-777-4590 or by visiting iowaattorneygeneral.gov.