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The Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments is a voluntary association of local governments established by state law serving the member jurisdictions in Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw and Grundy counties. As a service and planning organization, it is responsible for coordinating, assisting and facilitating programs in Community and Economic Development that will benefit all governmental bodies in the INRCOG region. Emphasis is placed on intergovernmental communication and cooperation, accessing of funds, and the need for continuing, comprehensive planning.
***NEWS AND UPDATES***
I-JOBS 6/17/09
 Governor Culver's signature initiative, I-JOBS will strengthen Iowa's economy, help our state recover from the natural disasters of 2008, and preserve or create thousands of jobs. The $830 million three-year program includes several parts but focuses on the key areas shown below. I-JOBS is funded with existing state gaming revenue, meaning no increase in taxes.

For more information related to the I-JOBS Program including rules, Notice of Intent, and frequently asked questions, please visit www.ijobsiowa.gov.

Disaster-Related News and Information

Disaster Funding 3/26/09
INRCOG has developed an overview of available disaster funding that we've been able to identify thus far. To view this list, click here.

Please be advised this overview will change frequently and we encourage you to check back and review the list often. Contact Brian Schoon for additional information.

Jumpstart - Single Family New Construction Program 3/10/09
The State of Iowa has announced a new federally funded program to assist in the development of newly constructed single-family homes in communities that lost housing as a result of the 2008 disasters. The homes must be marketed to individuals who make at or less than 100% of the County Median Income by family size. Assistance will be in the form of acquisition assistance, as a 10 year forgivable loan, to income qualified homebuyers. Each entity interested in this program will be responsible for developing a project application that incorporates all of the information requested by the State. Completed applications must be submitted through the INRCOG office to the Iowa Department of Economic Development by April 30, 2009. For more information, please contact the INRCOG office.

General Assembly Passes Disaster Recovery Legislation 2/17/09
Iowa House File 64 was signed into law by Governor Culver on February 2, 2009. Within that legislation is the Community Disaster Grant Program, which was created to provide recovery funds for cities and counties affected by last year’s disasters. Specifically, these funds are intended to be used for unfunded projects. Please visit the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division’s website page regarding this program as it contains the grant application letter, preliminary allocation figures, and the application itself. The website is found at:

http://www.iowahomelandsecurity.org/Home/2008Disaster/
CommunityDisasterGrant/tabid/266/Default.aspx

Please note there is an application process and that each jurisdiction has a target amount that they may request, as is indicated in the materials on the website. Applications are due by April 1, 2009. If you have questions regarding the application, please feel free to contact our office. You may also contact the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division at (515) 725-3231 or at cdg@iowa.gov.

Federal Jumpstart Rental Rehabilitation for Storm Damaged Apartments 1/28/09
The State of Iowa has announced the development of a federally funded Jumpstart Program to assist residential landlords who own rental property that was damaged by the natural disasters of 2008. INRCOG will be handling the administrative aspects of this program for our six county region, including Black Hawk County, outside of the Cedar Falls and Waterloo city limits. This program is funded with HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars and there are restrictions for use of the fundd.

An application form that is available on the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) and the Rebuild Iowa (RIO) websites. A paper copy of the application can be obtained from the INRCOG office. Please contact the INRCOG at (319) 235-0311 for more information about this program.

Jumpstart State and Federal Programs 3/4/09
For information about the Jumpstart State and Federal Programs available to assist homeowners and business owners who suffered damage as a result of last year's disasters, contact Jim Rodemeyer, Housing Director or Gary Iversen, Economic Development Coordinator or visit the Rebuild Iowa Office website at www.rio.iowa.gov/resources/jumpstart.html.

Cedar Valley Nature Trail Closures 10/6/08
For a map of the CVNT and portion closed due to damage caused by this summer's flooding, click here.
Transportation

2009 Trail Count Sign Up 5/21/2009
INRCOG is looking for volunteers for the 2009 Trail Count which will be held June 14-20. Click here to view the schedule for available times and count locations. Contact Laura Jobst via email or by phone at (319) 235-0311 to sign up or for more information.

Transportation Improvement Program Public Hearings 6/2/09
The Black Hawk Metropolitan Area Transportation Policy Board (MPO) and Iowa Northland Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will be holding public hearings on their draft Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs). The TIPs contain a listing of transportation projects slated to receive federal funding in the next four years (click here for a list of MPO projects; click here for a list of RTA projects). The public is encouraged to view and comment on the TIPs prior to or at the public hearings.

The public hearings will be at the following times:
- MPO Public Hearing - Thursday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m. at the INRCOG Center, 229 E. Park Ave. in Waterloo.
- RTA Public Hearing - Wednesday, June 17, at 1:30 p.m. at the INRCOG Center, 229 E. Park Ave. in Waterloo.

Questions on the public hearings can be directed to Kevin Blanshan, Andrea White, or Laura Jobst by calling INRCOG at (319) 235-0311.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) 3/11/09
 MPO Projects
INRTA Projects
Map of ARRA Projects

University Avenue Corridor Study 12/30/08
 INRCOG, along with the cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo and the Iowa DOT, is initiating a study of University Avenue between Iowa Highway 58 and U.S. Highway 63. The purpose of this study is to examine the various needs along University Avenue and to develop a master plan that would guide any future reconstruction.

If you have any input, comments or questions, please contact us by e-mail at bob.lentz@aecom.com.
Project Update No. 1 10/17/08
Project Update No. 2 12/30/08
Project Update No. 3 03/17/09