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.

FY 2011 Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Grant Program 7/26/10
FEMA has announced the Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant program for FY 2011 which includes Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL), and Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC) program. The HMA grant program will provide funds to states, territories, Indian tribal governments, and communities for hazard mitigation planning and mitigation projects prior to a disaster event. For more information click here, or visit http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=4225 or http://www.iowahomelandsecurity.org/Programs_Hazard_Mitigation.html.

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DED Withdraws Proposal
The Iowa Department of Economic Development (DED) recently withdrew their proposal to eliminate all Housing programs currently funded with CDBG dollars. The biggest impact of this proposal was the elimination of funding for the very popular and competitive Housing Rehabilitation program as an eligible activity.

In response to the proposal, both the INRCOG Board and the Iowa Northland Regional Housing Council (INRHC) recently passed Resolutions opposing the recommended changes in how DED would allocate future Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. These Resolutions were sent to INRCOG members, Legislators and other interested groups.

DED has asked that we notify everyone of their decision to withdraw their proposal and remove the actual proposal from our website. They have indicated that they will work with the Iowa Association of Regional Councils, who sent a composite letter of opposition from all 17 COGs in the State, to "explore ideas about future CDBG allocations and how CDBG funds can best be spent to meet the needs of all Iowans."

Thank you to everyone who let the State know they opposed DED's proposal. It certainly proves that our input is valued. Anyone wanting additional information may contact Sharon Juon.

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Applications Available for Local Comprehensive Planning Grants 7/15/10
Applications for the Iowa Smart Planning: Local Comprehensive Planning Grant Program are now available through the Rebuild Iowa Office and Iowa Department of Economic Development. Eligible applicants include any of the 85 counties that were presidentially declared disaster areas as a result of the storms of 2008, as well as any city government within those counties. Up to $50,000 per participating governmental entity may be requested. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match. Multi-jurisdictional plans are encouraged.

These grants are intended to support development and adoption of forward-thinking comprehensive plans that will guide long-term recovery efforts and subsequent decisions that reduce existing or future development in flood-risk areas. Application guidelines, as well as the application form, can be found at www.rio.iowa.gov/smart_planning/index.html. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30.

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Disaster-Related News and Information
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 the 2008, 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 the flooding in 2008, click here.