The Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) Transportation Policy Board will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 30th, 2012 at 12:10 PM at the UERPC office, 134 W. Greene Street, Postville, IA 52162, to receive comment on the following:

1.    An amendment to the FY 2012 TIP to add RPA-1 Project SRTS-PA01()--2U-00:  UERPC SRTS Planning Study.  This project was originally scheduled for inclusion in the 2013 FY with a November 1 start date, but permission has been granted to begin work in September.  
2.    A state amendment to the FY 2012 TIP to add DOT Project STP()--2C-96:  CO RD V68 in Jackson Jct. to US52/IA 150 in Calmar.  Regional STP funds were previously approved for this project and work is now being scheduled.
3.    RPA-1 Transportation Planning Work Program, FY  2013

Written or oral comments may be submitted prior to the public hearing to UERPC, 134 W. Greene Street, PO Box 219, Postville, IA 52162, online at www.uerpc.org/tip-comments or by phone at 563-382-6171.

Upper Explorerland RPC is excited to announce that they are the recipients of TWO HOME Investment Partnership Program Awards with funds of $800,000 from Iowa Finance Authority.  These funds will be used to assist 10 First Time Homebuyers with down payment and rehabilitation assistance in the City of Oelwein and 10 First Time Homebuyers in the communities of Garnavillo, Strawberry Point and McGregor.  The awards of the HOME funds were matched with a local commitment from each of the cities.

Upper Explorerland RPC realizes first time homebuyers must make sacrifices to save enough for a down payment on a home, but for some it seems impossible to be able to find the funding to close on the desired home.  With the award of the HOME funds homebuyers can receive up to $24,999 in assistance.  This program is an affordable way for homebuyers to realize their dream of homeownership.  Assistance is in the form of a 10 year receding forgivable loan.

Below are the income guidelines by household size.

Household Size	Gross Income
1	33,250
2	38,000
3	42,750
4	47,450
5	51,250
6	55,050
7	58,850
8	62,650

For more information on the General Homebuyer Assistance Program or the income guidelines please contact Lori Brockway at Upper Explorerland RPC, at 563-864-7551 ext. 106. 

Equal Housing Opportunity

RESIDENTS OF WEST UNION - WANT $OME FUND$ TO FIX UP YOUR HOME OR HELP WITH DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE?

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING!

The Fayette County Local Housing Trust Fund (FCLHTF) is accepting applications for housing rehabilitationimprovement 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.   Funding is available of up to $5,000 for low to moderate income homeowners.

The City of West Union is accepting pre-applications for the First Time Homebuyer Program to determine community interest.  The funds for this program can be used for down payment assistance or rehabilitation assistance to bring the purchased home into compliance with Iowa's Minimum Housing Standards.  Assistance is in the form of a 10 year receding forgivable loan with awards up to $24,999.  

A representative from UERPC will be available at City Hall on Tuesday, May 15th from 9:00 a.m. until noon to answer any questions that you may have or assist in the application process.

For more information regarding the above programs please contact Upper Explorerland RPC, at 563-864-7551 and ask for Sarah Snitker, ext. 101 or Cyndi Schulte, ext. 120.  Applications for the FCLHTF can be obtained online at www.uerpc.org, Housing, Fayette County Local Housing Trust Fund.  

Equal Housing Opportunity

Operation  ReLeaf Trees are still available.  Visit the Allamakee County Event Location at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon on Thursday, May 3rd from 5 - 7 pm.

Trees will be $25.00 per tree for #5 - #10 container grown trees, 5 - 9' tall. Species available will be; Heritage Oak, Honeylocust, Kentucky Coffeetree, Japanese Tree Lilac, and Black Hills Spruce.

For more information visit the website at www.alliantenergy.com/releaf.