Some of the headlines you can read about:

• UERPC Unveils New Website
• Burkes Resigns
• Safe Routes to School Plan Awarded
• UERPC Planning Team to Facilitate 30 Community Engagement Meetings in 38 Work Days!
• Upcoming Workshops
• Audit Complete
  

Aaron Burkes, our executive director, has accepted a new position in Wisconsin and has left Upper Explorerland.  Aaron's work at Upper Explorerland has strengthened the organization and brought new opportunity to the region.  We have truly enjoyed having Aaron lead our organization and while he will be missed, we wish him the best in his exciting new endeavor.

With Aaron's departure, please contact the following with specific questions on:

IowaWORKS:  Fern Rissman

Economic Development and Grant Writing & Management:  Rachelle Howe

Community Planning, Brownfields and Transportation:  Karla Organist

Community Housing Programs and Loan Funds:  Lori Brockway

Section 8 Rental Assistance:  Bev Krambeer

Finance Department:  Lisa Lensing
 
Questions regarding the Executive Director Position can be directed to UERPC's Board President, Randy Uhl.

Upper Explorerland is excited to announce the awarding of funding in the amount of $115,000 for a Safe Routes to School Plan.  The Iowa Transportation Commission approved $1,512,885 in total funding for 14, Safe Routes to School program projects throughout the state. Five projects were awarded for non-infrastructure and nine were awarded for infrastructure. The program was created with federal transportation funds in 2005 with the purpose of increasing the number of children safely walking and bicycling to school. Funding is available to cities, counties, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public and private schools through an annual application-based program. We will be working closely with the 20 school districts in our region creating this plan.  For more information contact Casey Mai at 563-382-6171, ext 212.

Funding Available for First Time Homebuyer Programs in City of Postville

The City of Postville has funding available for the First Time Homebuyer Program.  Postville was awarded HOME grant funds of $494,300 through the Iowa Finance Authority and Housing and Urban Development.  These funds of $24,999 per home will be used to assist First-Time Homebuyers with general homebuyer assistance and rehabilitation activity necessary to bring the home up to Iowa's Minimum Housing Standards.  Rehabilitation repairs are designed to help maintain the home structurally such as replacing shingles or siding that are in poor condition; and/or aid in energy efficiency such as adding insulation to the attic and walls, or replacing drafty old windows, and updating the electrical and plumbing.

The City of Postville's First Time Homebuyer Program is still accepting applications. The processing of applications will be on a first come first served basis until program funds are depleted. We are proud to state that we have helped many new families fulfill their dream of becoming new homeowners. We currently have one opening available.

To determine if you are eligible for the grant funds: you must be a first time homebuyer which means you could not have owned a home fora 3 year period before the purchase of a home and you must be income eligible.  Income eligibility is based on household size and annual (gross) household income.

Household Size	Gross Income
1	32,800
2	37,450
3	42,150
4	46,800
5	50,550
6	54,300
7	58,050
8	61,800

If you are interested or know someone who you think would be interested and meets the qualifications outlined above, we would like to hear from you.  Applications can be picked up at the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission at 134 W.Greene Street, in Postville during regular business hours or by contacting Sarah Snitker or Cyndi Schulte, Program Administrators at Upper Explorerland in Postville at 563-864-7551 or at 877-474-7551.

The City of Postville is a Fair Housing Advocate.


FCLHTF Accepting Applications

The Fayette County Local Housing Trust Fund (FCLHTF) is accepting applications for housing rehabilitation/improvement projects.  The FCLHTF assists individuals, community organizations, and non-profit and for-profit developers in rehabilitation,renovation and repair projects that improve the condition of both rental and owner occupied affordable housing in Fayette County.

For more information on the FCLHTF, please contact Upper Explorerland RPC, at563-864-7551 and ask for Sarah Snitker, ext. 101 or Cyndi Schulte, ext. 120.  Applications can be obtained online at www.uerpc.org, under the Housing link, Fayette County Local Housing Trust Fund.


NEIRHTF Accepting Applications

The Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund (NEIRHTF) is accepting applications for housing rehabilitation/improvement projects.  Applicants can be low-moderate income homeowners, landlord/for-profit organizations or non-profit organizations to promote and create affordable housing activities.  All applicants must be in one of the four counties of Allamakee, Clayton, Howard, and Winneshiek. Eligible projects include rehabilitation and repair of existing housing, including, but not limited to: Roofs, windows, siding, plumbing electrical, energy efficiency, lead paint issues, and handicap accessibility.

 

For more information on the NEIRHTF, please contact Upper Explorerland RPC, at 563-864-7551 and ask for Sarah Snitker, ext. 101 or Cyndi Schulte, ext. 120, or you can obtain an application online at www.uerpc.org, under the Housing link, Northeast Iowa Housing Trust Fund.