Federal money coming to rural Iowa

Would your school district like to convert some buses to EV and say goodbye to diesel fumes? Would you like to use climate-smart agricultural practices on your farm?

Could your church use some solar panels or an energy efficiency upgrade to reduce electric bills? Need to upgrade the lighting in your building?

“Those things are about to become much more affordable,” says Anne Walton, co-chair of the Southeast Iowa Sierra Club.

Her group will host a Funding Clinic for accessing Inflation Reduction Act funds on Friday, April 28 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

This clinic will explore the incredible opportunities for rural communities through the nearly $370 billion soon available through the Inflation Reduction Act and other recent legislation.

The law specifies that 40 percent of the benefit of those funds go to rural areas and underserved communities such as those in SE Iowa.

“This Funding Clinic will help homeowners, farmers, businesses, school districts, educational organizations, nonprofits, churches, and government entities understand which funding streams might apply to their projects and what steps are needed to access them. This is an amazing, once-in-a-generation opportunity,” says Walton.

What to expect:

MORNING SESSION: National experts from USDA, Iowa DOT, the Iowa Environmental Council, FEMA, NRCS, EPA, IRS, the Center for Rural Affairs, and the Iowa Solar Trade Association will explain the different funding streams, and which funds will be available as grants, loans, tax credits or rebates for your project.

AFTERNOON SESSION: Breakout groups with agency representatives and key experts will feature small group discussions, Q&A, and one-on-one review with the appropriate agency. This is your chance to address to get specific guidance on next steps to qualify and apply for funds.

Preregistration is required for all participants; deadline is Monday, April 24. Fee of $35 online in advance (includes lunch); $40 at the door (cash or check only).

Register here: http://bit.ly/3JLScz9?r=qr.