Existing federal grants still on track

ECICOG’s work has resumed a more normal cadence after the Trump administration issued an Executive Order in late January that temporarily paused federal grants.

For the most part, approvals and grant reimbursements are being received on a timely basis. This includes funding from HUD, Commerce, Transportation and the EPA.

Federal grants play a critical role in helping address some of our biggest infrastructure challenges, in addition to assisting our most vulnerable populations. During the last year federal grants have supported rural road projects, local dial-a-ride transit service, housing rehabilitation and development, business gap financing and a host of other projects.

While reimbursements for previously awarded grants have resumed, staff remain deeply concerned about the future availability of grants and the impact on federal workforce reductions on grant awards and administration. As always, ECICOG will strive to keep you informed of any changes to grant programs impacting your community or county.

The City of Wellman was recently awarded a $500,000 grant to replace water mains and install fire hydrants and water meters. Wellman is in need of new water infrastructure as the old pipes are becoming outdated and are not sufficient to serve fire hydrants.

In addition, the new water main will reduce water losses, prevent water main breaks, and improve the overall fire protection for the city. ECICOG assisted the city in applying for the funds and will serve as the grant administrator during the project.

For more information on CDBG water/sewer grant funding contact Environmental Specialist Meagan Prestegard.

ECICOG will be hosting its annual Local Government Recharge Day Thursday, May 8 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Fireside Winery in Marengo. Recharge Day is geared toward city administrators, city clerks, and elected officials in the ECICOG region looking to learn from their peers and other local government experts.

We will take advantage of Fireside’s beautiful facilities with small group discussions over wine to wrap up the day. Watch for an agenda and registration information in early April.

Iowa State Extension will be offering several trainings and workshops that may be beneficial for local government officials.

On April 9, the Collaborative Housing Symposium: Foundation for a Stronger Iowa will be held at the Gateway Conference center in Ames. The Symposium's aim is to complement and enhance the Rural Housing Readiness Assessment process through workshops, keynotes and networking opportunities.

Details on registration can be found here.

The annual Planning and Zoning Workshops for Local Officials will be available over six dates in April and May. These workshops help local leaders navigate zoning laws and provide attendees useful tools to guide thoughtful, well-informed decisions that serve their local communities. Information on registration can be found at the ISU extension website.

Greater IC Inc and Johnson County are hosting two webinars featuring Ben Winchester, Rural Sociologist and Researcher, discussing topics of bringing in new residents to rural areas (March 25) and rural housing (April 8).

Winchester has been working both in and for small towns across the Midwest for over 25 years. He lives in St. Cloud, Minnesota with his wife and two children, is trained as a Rural Sociologist and works for the University of Minnesota Extension.

Winchester will share his insights on community engagement and economic growth. Studies of the motivations and factors related to rural workforce movers document a “brain gain” of people age 30-60 moving to small towns and rural places since the 1970s, providing a reinvigoration of social, economic and demographic life.

You can learn more and register for the webinars at member.greateriowacity.com/eventscalendar/.