News : New fund to help under-insured Iowa storm damage victims

A $4 million federally-funded program to assist uninsured and under-insured homeowners affected by high winds and tornadoes earlier this year was announced recently. The Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) created the program using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds made available from IDED's Opportunities and Threats Set-Aside.

"Families across the state have been negatively affected by high winds and tornadoes this year, many of whom do not have the resources to rebuild their homes," said Governor Terry Branstad. "This funding will reverse the devastating long-term impacts natural disasters have on communities and help hundreds of Iowa families regain a sense of normalcy to their daily lives."

Counties who have experienced damage from high winds or tornadoes and have been declared a gubernatorial disaster area in 2011 are eligible for funding. Assistance is only available to low-to-moderate income homeowners for repair or reconstruction of single family homes. Properties damaged solely from flood-related events are not eligible for this program.

Awards can only be made to county governments, so homeowners should contact county government officials for additional information. IDED is accepting applications through September 30, 2011. Awards will be announced this fall.

A second program to assist affected homeowners with the purchase of energy efficient replacement appliances is pending U.S. Department of Energy approval. Final approval for this program is expected later in August.

The CDBG program is federally-funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. IDED is responsible for administering the CDBG funds in the non-metropolitan areas of the state. For more information on CDBG or other community programs, phone 515.725.3081, email community@iowa.gov, or visit www.iowalifechanging.com.