DID YOU KNOW... that a major problem in our community is the lack of affordable housing for all low income households?

DID YOU KNOW ....recent studies have shown that an additional 2,300 rental units are needed for households at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI) which is $12,630 for a one person household?  More specifically, nearly 800 low income persons with persistent mental illness struggle to find quality housing they can afford.

DID YOU KNOW ...most people in this group are extremely poor, relying on monthly disability payments of $639 which is just under $7,700 per year or 18% AMI?

DID YOU KNOW ... it is nearly impossible to find decent one-bedroom apartments that are affordable on this income.  The average cost for a decent apartment is currently $425 plus utilities?

DID YOU KNOW ... a local community Mental Health Center is set to break ground on a new 13-unit housing complex to help provide additional independent living opportunities for persons with mental illness? Please read the following press release for more information on how this organization is giving back to the Quad Cities.

Local Housing Corporation Begins Construction on New Facility

Groundbreaking Ceremony Scheduled for March 25, 2010 at 1:30 p.m.

Vera French is poised to begin construction on Vera French Court Apartments at 3465 Holiday Court in Bettendorf. The 13 unit complex will provide additional independent living opportunities for persons with mental illness.

Vera French Court will feature energy efficient one bedroom apartments, handicapped accessible units, a community room with kitchenette and computer center, laundry facilities and storage space. An outside patio, BBQ grill, picnic area and raised bed gardening area add to the amenities.

Residents living at Vera French Court have opportunities to participate in education classes and planned activities. Support services will be available on site.

Vera French's Housing Corporation has been successful in developing 105 units of affordable housing by combining public and private low interest loans and grants all across the Quad Cities.

Funding for this $2.3 million dollar project combines Iowa Finance Authority's Section 42 Low Income Housing Tax Credit with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding. Additional funding sources include Iowa Department of Economic Development, Scott County Housing Council and Scott County Regional Authority and NAMI Scott County. Midwest Housing and Equity Group, Iowa Fund V is providing $1,365,000.00 of equity to the project.

For more information on Vera French, please visit their website at www.verafrenchmhc.org.

Russell Construction, located in Davenport, IA is serving as the General Contractor on this project. In the past Russell has constructed two 10 unit Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects, Vera French Manor and Vera French Terrace. Robin Andrews, located in Huntley, IL will serve as the Architect.

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Includes Critical Medicare Reimbursement Language Secured by Braley

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) released the following statement today after voting to pass the Senate Health Care bill and House reconciliation package.  Yesterday, Braley and a core group of other Representatives were able to achieve a major breakthrough in Medicare reimbursement policy that secured his vote for the bills.

"One of my biggest priorities has been fighting to fix unfair and inefficient geographic differences, and reform the Medicare system to one that pays Iowa's medical professionals for the high-quality, low-cost health care they currently provide. Just yesterday, we achieved a major breakthrough in reforming our Medicare reimbursement system. I'm proud to say that the House bill will finally fix these inequities, move us to a better reimbursement model that emphasizes quality over quantity, and help recruit well-qualified health-care providers to Iowa.

"This bill will decrease health insurance costs, expand access to quality, affordable health care, improve reimbursements for Iowa medical providers and allow Americans to maintain their choice of health insurance. This legislation will provide much-needed relief for thousands of businesses in Iowa's First District and will reduce our deficit by more than $143 billion over the next 10 years and $1.2 trillion in the 10 years after that. After reading the bill, listening to my constituents and debating the bill's provisions in Congress, I'm convinced this legislation is good for Iowa."

In Iowa's First District, the health care reform package voted upon tonight will:

· Improve coverage for 394,000 residents with health insurance.

· Give tax credits and other assistance to up to 156,000 families and 14,000 small businesses to help them afford coverage.

· Improve Medicare for 102,000 beneficiaries, including closing the donut hole.

· Extend coverage to 16,000 uninsured residents.

· Guarantee that 6,500 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage.

· Protect 700 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.

· Allow 50,000 young adults to obtain coverage on their parents' insurance plans.

· Provide millions of dollars in new funding for 11 community health centers.

· Reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and other health care providers by $54 million annually.

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Annual water main and hydrant flushing program kicked off in the Iowa Quad Cities

DAVENPORT, IA (March 19, 2010) Iowa American Water kicked off its annual distribution system flushing in LeClaire earlier this week. The program will continue throughout the spring and summer months in all of the company's service communities, which include Davenport, Bettendorf, Riverdale and Panorama Park in the Iowa Quad Cities. Flushing will be conducted from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. each week day. The company's Clinton District plans to flush its distribution system beginning in mid-April.

"The flushing program is designed to maintain a high quality of water in the distribution system by flushing or cleaning mineral deposits and sediment from water mains," said Randy Moore, president of Iowa American Water. "Over time, these sediments can build up in water mains causing discolored water and/or restricted flows.   As part of this program we will also inspect and operate fire hydrants to assure they are in good working order as well."

While no interruptions in water service will occur as a result of the work, Iowa American Water advises that when crews are flushing nearby, customers may experience a drop in water pressure or some discoloration of their water. Iowa American Water recommends that any customers experiencing discolored water let their cold water run to clear before using it again and refrain from doing laundry during that time.   Any water discoloration or low pressure problems should last only a short period of time.

In conjunction with the water main flushing, Iowa American Water is adjusting its treatment process for the next four weeks to prepare the distribution system for the on-going flushing.

From March 10 through April 19, the company is switching its disinfection method to a form of chlorine known as "free chlorine" which does not contain ammonia. Chlorine is commonly used in public water systems as a disinfectant and is monitored closely by our water quality experts to ensure optimum levels are present.

Due to the temporary change in the type of chlorine, customers may experience a more noticeable chlorine taste or odor in their tap water during the next four weeks.   There is no reason for concern. This is due to the switch in chlorine type only.

"The temporary switch in treatment is designed to make the routine flushing of water mains more effective and ensure we maintain our high quality water standards," Moore added.

If problems persist, notify Iowa American Water's customer service line toll free 24-hours a day at 1-866-641-2108.

The water main and hydrant flushing will be performed by Iowa American Water crews who will be working out of utility trucks labeled with the company logo.   All employees will also have photo ID badges.

Iowa American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 200,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

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