Officials with SWIPCO (The Southwest Iowa Planning Council, Region 13), are issuing a call to local community leaders to apply for 2014 calendar year Community Development Block Grants (CDBG’s). Authorized under the Housing and Community Development Act, the main goal of the CDBG program is to “develop viable communities by providing decent housing and suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities for persons of low and moderate incomes.”
In Iowa, grants ranging from $200,000 to $600,000 are available, based on population. Regardless of the amount, a local match is required, and typically comes in the form of local bonding, a USDA grant/loan package, or a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan. The CDBG program can be used in Iowa, to fund eligible activities, including public facilities and community buildings, housing rehabilitation, and economic development as well as job training.
Cities in the SWIPCO service area (Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby Counties), are encouraged to contact Courtney Harter or Jeremy Middents, at 712-243-4196 for more information.
In addition, SWIPCO has funds available in its Business Revolving Loan Program available for new or current businesses. Loans are available from $2,000 to $125,000, with interest rates starting at 4-percent. For more information, call Barb Barrick at 712-243-4196.