The next RPA-1 Transportation Policy Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 21^st, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., at UERPC’s office in Postville, 134 West Greene Street. The Enhancement and Technical Committees will meet beforehand at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., respectively.

AGENDA:

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of the agenda
3. Approval of the May 19^th, 2021 meeting minutes
4. Public Hearing: RPA-1 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
5. Consideration and possible board action: Adoption of RPA-1 TIP
6. RPA-1 Staff Updates
7. NEICAC/EARL Transit Updates
8. Iowa DOT Updates
9. Floor Items
10. Set next meeting date
11. Adjournment

The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for Regional Planning Affiliation 1 (RPA-1) and the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) Transportation Policy Board is now available for public review and comment. The document will be available for public review for a minimum of 15 days prior to adoption, and will be considered for adoption at the Board’s next meeting, Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

For more information, please visit: http://www.uerpc.org/public-comment.html

The UERPC June 2021 Newsletter is here! https://mailchi.mp/51a344055bc6/uerpc-june-2021-newsletter-5551673

Highlights include:

• Bike Helmets Provided to over 500 Students
• ICOG Legislative Update- June 9, 2021
• Winneshiek County Trail Safety Campaign
• UERPC Mental Health Day Staff Highlights
• UERPC is Opem
• NOTICE:  UERPC offices will be closed on Monday, July 5th for Independence Day
• Board Member Spotlight:  Barbara Collins
• June SRTS Monthly Motivator:  Active Families Together!
• June 5-2-1-0 Feature:  Encourage Families to be Healthy this Summer!

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The UERPC May 2021 Newsletter is here! https://mailchi.mp/6d89c0365ad0/uerpc-may-2021-newsletter-5525705 

Highlights include:

• All-In Allamakee! County Adopts Comprehensive Plan Developed in Partnership with UERPC
• CDBG Grant Provides Affordable Work Transportation to Employees of Upper Iowa Beef in Lime Springs
• Regional Transportation Planning Update
• Emergency Broadband Benefit Program- Helping Families Connect During the Pandemic
• UERPC Participates in Pick-Up Iowa
• UERPC Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month
• UERPC is Open
• Notice:  UERPC offices will be closed on Monday, May 31st for Memorial Day
• Board Member Spotlight:  Larry Schellhammer
• Senator Grassley Visits Northeast Iowa
• New Tax Credits Support On-the-Clock Vaccination
• NICC Virtual Training Opportunities
• Winneshiek County Trail Safety Campaign
• May SRTS Monthly Motivators:  May is Bike Month and Bike to School Day!
• May 5-2-1-0 Feature:  May is Mental Health Month

Want to receive our newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here: http://uerpc.org/newsletters.html

The next RPA-1 Transportation Policy Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The Enhancement and Technical Committees will meet beforehand at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., respectively.

These meetings will take place via electronic means pursuant to the provisions of the Iowa Open Meetings Law, Section 21.8, Code of Iowa. For information on accessing the meeting, contact Aaron Detter at adetter@uerpc.org or (563) 419-6126.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of the agenda
3. Approval of the March 17th, 2021 meeting minutes
4. Public Hearing: RPA-1 Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP)
5. Consideration and possible board action: Adoption of RPA-1 TPWP
6. RPA-1 Staff Updates
7. NEICAC/EARL Transit Updates
8. Iowa DOT Updates
9. Floor Items
10. Set next meeting date
11. Adjournment

The Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP) for Regional Planning Affiliation 1 (RPA-1) and the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) Transportation Policy Board is now available for public review and comment. The document will be available for public review for a minimum of 15 days prior to adoption, and will be considered for adoption at the Board’s next meeting, May 19th, 2021 at 11:00.

For more information, please visit: http://www.uerpc.org/public-comment.html

The UERPC April 2021 Newsletter is here! https://mailchi.mp/d1ae5949196d/uerpc-april-2021-newsletter-5517638 

Highlights include:

• President Signs American Rescue Act
• UERPC Assists Elma in Pursuing Childcare Funding for Elma Community Complex Project
• Trail Safety Campaign Launches in Winneshiek County
• NICC Virtual Training Opportunities
• UERPC Financial Report- June 30, 2020
• UERPC is Open
• Intern Spotlight:  Mackenzie Miller
• FOR SALE:  City of Oelwein's Homes for Iowa House Ready to Become Someone's New Home
• Board Boot Camp for Clayton County Nonprofits
• Trees Forever Offers Seedling Tree Grant Program
• Bike/Walk to School Day is May 5th!
• April SRTS Monthly Motivators:  Time to Dust Off Your Walking Shoes and Bikes!
• April 5-2-1-0 Feature:  Plant a School Garden!

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The Northeast Iowa Housing Summit that was put on by UERPC and the Northeast Iowa Business Network, on Wednesday, March 24th, can now be viewed online! Please click the tab below to view an overview of the summit as well as get the recordings from both sessions. 

The UERPC March 2021 Newsletter is here! https://mailchi.mp/b570526e6727/uerpc-march-2021-newsletter-3777890

Highlights include:

• IEDA COVID-19 Business Impact Survey Closes March 17th
• Northeast Iowa Housing Summit Taking Place on March 24th
• ICOG Legislative Update- March 5, 2021
• UERPC is Open
• NOTICE:  UERPC offices will be closed on Friday, April 2nd for Good Friday
• Employee Spotlight:  Nathan Thompson
• NICC Virtual Training Opportunities
• Bike/Walk to School Day Planning Webinar on March 17th
• March SRTS Monthly Motivators:  Time to Start MARCHING!
• March 5-2-1-0 Feature:  Take a Break from Screens and READ!

Want to receive our newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here: http://uerpc.org/newsletters.html

The next RPA-1 Transportation Policy Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The Enhancement and Technical Committees will meet beforehand at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., respectively.

These meetings will take place via electronic means pursuant to the provisions of the Iowa Open Meetings Law, Section 21.8, Code of Iowa. For information on accessing the meeting, contact Aaron Detter at adetter@uerpc.org or (563) 419-6126.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
3. Approval of the agenda
4. Approval of the December 9th, 2020 meeting minutes
5. Public Hearing: RPA-1 Public Participation Plan
6. Consideration and possible board action: Adoption of RPA-1 Public Participation Plan
7. Consideration and possible board action to award Iowa’s TAP regional funding for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025
8. Consideration and possible board action to award STBG/Swap funding for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025
9. RPA-1 Staff Updates
10. Iowa DOT Updates
11. Floor Items
12. Set next meeting date
13. Adjournment

Extensions and expansions suppport the immediate and ongoing needs of homeowners who are experiencing economic impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Increasing access to affordable, quality housing has long been a top priority for the City of Decorah and economic development officials. UERPC has resources that can help low- to moderate-income homeowners maintain their homes.

UERPC and the Northeast Iowa Business Network are hosting the Northeast Iowa Housing Summit for economic development, construction, housing finance, real estate and local government professionals on Wednesday, March 24th. Two virtual sessions will be offered. 

The first session (10:00am-12:00pm) will have information for local government officials and area real estate finance professionals and will cover programs available in Northeast Iowa through UERPC.

The second session (5:00pm-6:00pm) will cover state programs that could benefit local communities.

Anyone working with the field of housing in Northeast Iowa is encouraged to attend one or both of the sessions. Both sessions will be held via Zoom. To RSVP for one or both of the Northeast Iowa Housing Summit sessions, email Katelyn Peterson at kpeterson@uerpc.org.

UERPC is thrilled to assist Howard County and Upper Iowa Beef (UIB) with a Career Link Transportation Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in an amount of $109,200. 

This program provides funding to support transportation for individuals to travel to job activities or job education opportunities. Funding is provided through local governments to non-profit transportation service providers for operational expenses (not for purchasing buses or other equipment).

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) recently awarded the City of Waukon a Housing Rehabilitation Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in an amount not to exceed $253,000 for the exterior rehabilitation of six homes within the city limits.

New Homeowner Assistance Pre-Applications Available in Decorah

Decorah homeowners may have a new way to pay for home improvements later this year. The City of Decorah and UERPC are partnering to apply for a Community Development Block Grant that will assist low- to moderate- income homeowners with critical home repairs. UERPC is seeking pre-applications from Decorah homeowners to determine interest in the program. Applicants must own a home in the City of Decorah and income-qualify to participate.
 
Pre-applications are now available by calling 563-864-7551 or by emailing nthompson@uerpc.org. Pre-applications can also be picked up at Decorah City Hall (400 Claiborne Dr.) from 9am-4pm or at UERPC’s Decorah office (325 Washington St.) from 9am-4pm.

Pre-applications can be returned to UERPC's Decorah office, to Decorah City Hall or mailed to UERPC Housing (134 W Greene St, PO Box 219, Postville, IA 52162).
 
Any interested homeowners are urged to fill out a pre-application, since UERPC has additional programs that can assist homeowners with repairs and rehabilitation. For more information, call UERPC Housing at 563-864-7551 or email nthompson@uerpc.org.

Decorah homeowners may have a new way to pay for home improvements later this year. The City of Decorah and UERPC are partnering to apply for a Community Development Block Grant that will assist low- to moderate- income homeowners with critical home repairs. UERPC is seeking pre-applications from Decorah homeowners to determine interest in the program. Applicants must own a home in the City of Decorah and income-qualify to participate.

 
Pre-applications are now available by calling 563-864-7551 or by emailing nthompson@uerpc.org. Pre-applications can also be picked up at Decorah City Hall (400 Claiborne Dr.) from 9am-4pm or at UERPC’s Decorah office (325 Washington St.) from 9am-4pm.

Pre-applications can be returned to UERPC's Decorah office, to Decorah City Hall or mailed to UERPC Housing (134 W Greene St, PO Box 219, Postville, IA 52162).
 
Any interested homeowners are urged to fill out a pre-application, since UERPC has additional programs that can assist homeowners with repairs and rehabilitation. For more information, call UERPC Housing at 563-864-7551 or email nthompson@uerpc.org.

The UERPC February 2021 Newsletter is here! http://uerpc.org/newsletters.html 

Highlights include:

• OPEN HOUSE EVENT:  Homes for Iowa Open House on February 25th in Oelwein
• OPEN HOUSE EVENT:  Housing Resource Open House on February 23rd in Decorah
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS!  Northeast Iowa Housing Summit Taking Place on March 24th
• Howard County and Upper Iowa Beef Awarded CDBG Funding
• City of Waukon Awarded Housing Rehabilitation CDBG Funding
• New Homeowner Assistance Pre-Applications Available in Decorah
• ICOG Legislative Update- February 8, 2021
• Reminder:  UERPC is Open
• Employee Spotlight:  Jodi Gray
• Free LED Lightbulbs from Winneshiek Energy District
• Northeast Iowa STEAM Festival Plans for 2022
• NICC Virtual Training Opportunities
• Pick Up Iowa 2021 Happening March 26th through June 30th
• February SRTS Monthly Motivators:  Share your love of walking and kindness!
• February 5-2-1-0 Feature:  Sweet ways to show your love without food!

Want to receive our newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here:  http://uerpc.org/newsletters.html 

The UERPC January 2021 Newsletter is here! https://uerpc.org/newsletters.html  

Highlights include:

• Call for Applications for Multimodal Transportation Grants
• SBA and Treasury Announce PPP Re-Opening and Issue New Guidance
• ICOG Legislative Update - January 14, 2021
• NICC Virtual Training Opportunities
• The 411 on UERPC's Housing Programs
• UERPC is Open
• NOTICE:  UERPC office will be closed on Monday, February 15th for Presidents Day
• Employee Spotlight:  Katelyn Peterson
• Hotline to Housing Event at West Union Library on Jan. 27th
• Rural North Waukon Broadband Project Receives Funding
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Still Available
• Iowa Safe Routes to School Conference Happening in January
• January SRTS Monthly Motivators:  New Year New You!
• January 5-2-1-0 Feature:  'Water' You Drinking This Year?

Want to receive our newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here:  https://uerpc.org/newsletters.html  

The Public Participation Plan (PPP) of the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) Transportation Policy Board is now available for public review and comment. The document will be available for public review for a minimum of 45 days prior to adoption, and will be considered for adoption at the Board’s March 2021 meeting.

The PPP is developed and used to define a process for providing the public with reasonable opportunities to be involved in the transportation planning process for the five-county region of northeast Iowa consisting of Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties.

For more information and to review the PPP, please follow this link: http://www.uerpc.org/public-comment.html

The Transportation Policy Board of Regional Planning Affiliation 1 (RPA-1) in northeast Iowa is pleased to announce the call for applications for Iowa’s Transportation Alternatives Program (Iowa’s TAP) and Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding for diverse transportation projects in our region and communities.

Eligible projects for Iowa’s TAP funding include construction of walking and bicycling infrastructure such as sidewalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, bicycle facilities, and paved multi-use trails, as well as certain community improvement and environmental mitigation activities. STBG funding can be used for all of the previously mentioned Iowa’s TAP eligible projects, as well as construction and reconstruction of roads, streets, and bridges. Because all projects eligible for Iowa’s TAP funding are also eligible for STBG funding, applicants for Iowa’s TAP eligible projects may apply to both programs for the same project. Applicants may also apply to both programs for a single eligible project that would include funding from both sources if awarded.

Eligible applicants include all public agencies and local governments within RPA-1 that have jurisdiction over public rights-of-way for transportation (including walking and bicycling facilities); public transportation agencies; and agencies with transportation planning responsibilities. The RPA-1 geographic region includes the Counties of Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek.

The current application cycle is for funding in federal fiscal year (FFY) 2025, which begins on October 1, 2024. RPA-1 is expected to have approximately $2.2 million in STBG and $179,000 in Iowa’s TAP funding available for distribution. Applications for both programs will be accepted beginning January 31, 2021 and are due by February 28, 2021.

For full eligibility criteria and information on how to apply, please contact Aaron Detter at adetter@uerpc.org or 563-419-6126.

Are you struggling to find enough money for housing repairs? Find out how you can benefit from local programs that have helped hundreds of Northeast Iowa homeowners make needed repairs to their homes. City of West Union and Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) invite West Union residents to “Hotline to Housing,” a free event on Wednesday, January 27th at 6:00pm at the Heiserman Room of the West Union Public Library, 210 N. Vine Street in West Union.

Happy Holidays from UERPC!

Click here to view our holiday greeting.

The UERPC December 2020 Newsletter is here! https://uerpc.org/newsletters.html  

Highlights include:

• Reflecting on 2020- From the Desk of Executive Director Rachelle Howe
• UERPC Hosts Virtual Legislative Forum
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Project "Charges" into Northeast Iowa!
• UERPC Awarded Iowa Finance Authority Grant
• 10 Year Impact of the Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund
• I Zoom, You Zoom, We All Zoom for Holiday Fun!
• UERPC is Open
• NOTICE: UERPC offices will be closed on Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th for the Christmas holiday. Happy Holidays!
• Employee Spotlight:  Aaron Detter
• Thank You for Your Service to UERPC!
• Homes for Iowa House Arrives in Oelwein
• Workforce Update
• Iowa Safe Routes to School Conference Happening in January
• NICC Virtual Training Opportunities
• December 5-2-1-0 Feature:  Bundle Up and Try These Outdoor Winter Activities! 

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