Possible grants available for Washington homeowners

WASHINGTON - Homeowners in Washington could be eligible for funding to spruce up the outside of their homes thanks to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

City Administrator Brent Hinson said the grant has federal origins but it is left up to the state to determine how the funds are distributed. Along with the Eastern Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) the city writes a grant application to put together a program that meets the guidelines.

Six homeowners in the City of Washington could be eligible for funding if they are approved, Hinson said. Currently, the city is pre-qualifying homeowners to be assisted if the city is approved for the grant.

'Each would qualify for up to $24,999 in grant money,” he said.

The state recently rewrote the guidelines for the grant and changed the format to allow the grant to cover 'noticeable home improvements,” exterior improvements, in a variety of categories including handicap accessibility and energy efficiency.

With a deadline of July 31 quickly approaching, Hinson urges anyone interested to apply quickly as the grants are on a first come, first served basis.

'If people are interested they need to apply right away because there are only going to be so many grants available,” he said.

Additional restrictions such as being a homeowner and income eligibility do apply. Applications are available at city hall and on the city's website. Only those who live within city limits are eligible to apply.