NEWS RELEASE

CITY OF JEFFERSON RECEIVES $349,990 GRANT
FOR HOUSING REHABILITATION

The City of Jefferson has just received word on the successful application for additional funds from the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED). The grant awarded to the City will be used to rehabilitate the homes of low to moderate income families. The $349,990 grant is the result of an application submitted by Region XII Council of Governments for the City. The funds will enable the rehabilitation of a minimum of ten (10) owner occupied homes.

The Jefferson Housing Rehabilitation Program goals are to eliminate health and safety hazards in the home, increase energy efficiency, minimize homeowner maintenance and expand the life of the home by ten years. The assistance for the home repairs will be a grant provided as a 5 year forgivable lien to the homeowner.

All projects will be completed within a targeted area within city limits. The targeted area was determined based on the location of the respondents to a pre-application survey conducted last September. Those who responded will be sent a formal application in the mail.

The successful applicant will meet an income eligibility test. Eligible applicants will then be ranked according to need. If funds are available after the first round, assistance will be provided on a first come first served basis.

Eligible applicants who do not receive assistance through the City’s grant program will be offered assistance through the Region XII Council of Governments low interest loan and grant programs.

Laurie Gilbert, the Housing Programs Manager for Region XII, is expecting to hold a public informational meeting in the near future. The purpose of this meeting will be to explain the program procedures and answer any questions the residents may have.

The 2008 income limits for the rehabilitation program are as follows:
1 person 2 person 3 person 4 person 5 person 6 person 7 person
$30,050 $34,300 $38,600 $42,900 $46,350 $49,750 $56,650

The first application intake round is open until May 15, 2008. Only those applications received by that date will be considered. Applications may be picked up at City Hall or by calling Pat at 712-792-9914.