13 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn: State Working with Communities Following Storm to Ensure Public Safety

By Laurel White

State Prepared to Assist Communities in Recovery From Major Power Outage

CHICAGO - July 12, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today said state emergency management officials are coordinating with communities affected by Monday's violent wind storm to ensure they have the resources needed for public safety.

"Yesterday's storm left hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity," said Governor Quinn. "Power crews are working around the clock to restore electricity, and we thank them for their diligent efforts. In the meantime, the state is prepared to step in and quickly provide any assistance communities need to ensure the safety of their residents."

Gov. Quinn said staff from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) have been working closely with emergency management agencies in the affected areas since shortly after the storm to determine if state assistance is needed to protect public health and safety. That assistance includes heavy trucks, equipment and correctional inmates to assist with debris removal, generators, portable lights, law enforcement support and more.

In addition, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is continuing to coordinate with ComEd to put a high priority on restoring power to critical facilities, such as nursing homes.

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12 Jul 2011

HUD AWARDS $5.1 MILLION TO IMPROVE, PRESERVE NATION'S PUBLIC HOUSING STOCK IN IOWA

By Robert Jackson Jr.

Annual funding to housing authorities a down payment toward addressing

$25.6B backlog in large-scale repair, renovation costs

WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today awarded $5,118,535 to public housing authorities in Iowa.  The funds will allow these agencies to make major large-scale improvements to their public housing units.  View a full list of public housing authorities receiving funding.

HUD's Capital Fund Program provides annual funding to all public housing authorities to build, repair, renovate and/or modernize the public housing in their communities. This funding can be used to make large-scale improvements such as new roofs and to make energy-efficient upgrades to replace old plumbing and electrical systems.

"While this funding will certainly help housing authorities address long-standing capital improvements, it only scratches the surface in addressing the deep backlog we're seeing across the country," said Donovan.  "Housing Authorities need nearly $26 billion to keep these homes safe and decent for families, but given our budget realities, we must find other, innovative ways to confront the decline of our public housing stock.  That's why we introduced our new Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) as part of our comprehensive strategy to keep these homes on firm financial footing."

Sandra B. Henriquez, HUD Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, added, "Unless we transform the way we fund our public housing authorities, local managers will be increasingly forced to choose between repairing roofs, replacing plumbing, or worst of all, demolishing or selling their properties.  We simply can't afford to let that happen."

Earlier this month, HUD released Capital Needs in the Public Housing Program, a study that updated the national estimate of capital needs in the public housing stock in the U.S.  The study found the nation's 1.2 million public housing units are facing an estimated $25.6 billion in much-needed large scale repairs.  Unlike routine maintenance, capital needs are the large-scale improvements required to make the housing decent and economically sustainable, such as replacing roofs or updating plumbing and electrical systems to increase energy efficiency.  This study updates a 1998 analysis and includes costs to address overdue repairs, accessibility improvements for disabled residents, lead abatement, and water and energy conservation that would make the homes more cost effective and energy efficient.

Over the last 75 years, the Federal Government has invested billions in the development and maintenance of public and multifamily housing - including providing critical support through HUD's Capital Fund. Still, the nation continues to lose thousands of public housing units annually, primarily due to disrepair.  To protect the considerable Federal investment and respond to the growing demand for affordable rental housing, the Obama Administration has proposed a comprehensive strategy to preserve this inventory. HUD's Transforming Rental Assistance Initiative will allow housing authorities to leverage public and private financing to address capital needs and make public housing units affordable for the long term.

In FY 2012, HUD is requesting $200 million for a Transforming Rental Assistance demonstration to rehabilitate federally subsidized affordable housing, including public and multifamily housing units.  The Rental Assistance Demonstration would allow owners to continue to make standard life-cycle improvements to this inventory, modernize or replace obsolete units, and stem the loss of stock from private sector partners choosing to opt-out of affordable housing programs. The funds used to bring 255,000 properties into a reliable, long term, project-based rental assistance contract will enable public housing authorities to raise more than $6.1 billion in private financing to reduce the large backlog of capital repair needs and in the process, support significant job creation in communities across the country.

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12 Jul 2011

Harkin Announces More Than $5 Million for Housing in Iowa

By Harkin Press Office

WASHINGTON D.C.–Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that 48 Iowa Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) will receive a total of $5,049,415.  The funding comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Capital Fund Program, which provides for the financing, development and improvement of public housing in communities across the country. Harkin is a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds HUD.

"I have always believed that access to quality, affordable housing is the foundation of economic stability for a family, and in turn, communities as a whole," said Harkin. "In these tough economic times, this funding will give Iowa a needed shot in the arm to ensure that needy Iowans have the access to housing they need."

Details of the funding are below.

$31,136--Afton Housing Commission

$43,435--Albia Housing Agency

$103,820–Area XV Multi-County Housing Agency

$108,495–Centerville Municipal Housing Agency

$172,464–Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority

$69,194–Chariton Housing Authority

$147,648–Charles City Housing and Redevelopment Authority

$125,886-City of Iowa City Housing Authority

$72,721-Clarinda Low Rent Housing Agency

$43,361-Corning Housing Commission

$57,291- Davenport Housing Commission

$547,201- Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency

$443,471- Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency

$11,843- Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency

$ 189,051- Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority

$14,187- Essex Low Rent Housing Agency

$50,145- Evansdale Municipal Housing Authority

$150,526- Fort Dodge Municipal Housing Agency

$149,198- Fort Madison Housing Authority

$244,227- Keokuk Housing Authority

$27,293- Lenox Low Rent Housing Agency

$18,196- Lone Tree Housing Commission

$28,909–Low Rent Housing Agency of Bancroft

$220,177- Low Rent Housing Agency of Burlington

$76,548- Low Rent Housing Agency of Clinton

$19,825- Low Rent Housing Agency of Farragut

$23,391- Low Rent of Housing Agency of Hamburg

$68,222- Low Rent Housing Agency of Knoxville

$35,398- Low Rent Housing Agency of Leon

$48,538- Low Rent Housing Agency of Missouri Valley

$24,253-- Low Rent Housing Agency of Mount Ayr

$58,215- Low Rent Housing Agency of Onawa

$47,638- Low Rent Housing Agency of Red Oak

$18,318–Low Rent Housing Agency of Sidney

$76,793–Low Rent Housing Agency of Sioux Center

$43,954-- Low Rent Housing Agency of Waverly

$41,850–Low Rent Housing Agency of Winterset

$18,196–Malvern Low Rent Housing Agency

$290,779-- Municipal Housing Agency of Council Bluffs

$26,383–Municipal Housing Agency of Manning

$171,006–Muscatine Municipal Housing Agency

$146,585–North Iowa Regional Housing Authority

$415,606–Ottumwa Housing Authority

$46,609–Rock Rapids Municipal Housing Agency

$75,028–Shenandoah Low Rent Housing Agency

$141,883–Southern Iowa Regional Housing Authority

$18,836–Stanton Housing Commission

$20,129–Tabor Low Rent Housing Agency

$43,852–Villisca Low Rent Housing Agency

$50,825–Waterloo Housing Authority

30 Jun 2011

Public invited to comment on Upper Mississippi River Forest Management Plan

By Robert Fournier
Rock Island, Ill. -- (June 29, 2011) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island, St. Paul and St. Louis Districts, invite the public to comment on the recently completed draft forest management plan for the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS).  The purpose of the Systemic Forest Management Plan is to provide a long-range plan of action for the sustainable management of UMRS forests to maintain its recognition as a nationally treasured ecological resource.

The Systemic Forest Management Plan project area is designated as the UMRS 500-year floodplain, and includes the Mississippi River from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, to its confluence with the Ohio River; the Illinois River from Chicago to Grafton, Illinois; and navigable sections of the Minnesota, St. Croix, Black and Kaskaskia Rivers.  The UMRS floodplain ecosystem covers 2.6 million acres of land and water and includes portions of five Midwestern States: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri.

Key components of the Plan are identifying goals and objectives; establishing a foundation to improve and enhance coordination with stakeholders; fostering a better understanding of the state of the resource and its ecological connection to adjacent watersheds; identifying problems, opportunities and data needs; and developing recommendations that will ensure the long-term sustainability of this critical component of the UMRS ecosystem.

The plan can be viewed and downloaded from the St. Paul District's website at http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/environment/default.asp?pageid=1394, under 'Related Pages.'  A hard copy is available upon request.  The public review and comment period opened Tuesday, June 28, and ends July 27, 2011.  Comments can be sent to Randall Urich at the Corps of Engineers atrandall.r.urich@usace.army.mil or 1114 So. Oak St., La Crescent, MN  55947-1560.

For more information, contact the Corps Forest Management Plan team leader, Randall Urich, at 507-895-6341, ext. 3.

 # # #
30 Jun 2011

Iowa Youth Population Declines According to 2010 Census

By Joy Venhorst

AMES, Iowa - Iowa's 17 and younger age group decreased according to 2010 census results. According to the Community Vitality Center report, "Population 18 and Older and 17 and Younger in Iowa's Counties, 2000 - 2010," Iowa's youth population has decreased by 5,645 in the last decade.

According to Sandra Burke, assistant scientist in economics, some counties have experienced significant growth in the youth population even though Iowa's overall youth population decreased by 0.8 percent in the last decade.

"There has been a reshuffling across the state as to where youth are located. There has been a surge in the most urban counties and a decline in the more rural ones," Burke said. "This distinctly impacts schools because a lot of community activities revolve around the school. It's where children are during the day, and many activities and sports take place during the evenings."

Burke credits fewer births as the main reason for the youth decline in the state, but outmigration and the ongoing recession also aided in the decline.

"The recession colors everything for every age group. It affects older people trying to retire or keep their jobs and it affects younger people trying to get jobs. In a recession, people typically delay marriage and they delay having children. There were three to four years of recession prior to the 2010 census that help account for fewer births," Burke said.

The full report is available on the Community Vitality Center website at www.cvcia.org.

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30 Jun 2011

Iowa's Unincorporated Areas Lose Population in 2010 Census

By Administrator

AMES, Iowa ? Iowa's unincorporated areas ? the countryside outside any town or city limits ? lost population according to the 2010 census, reversing a gain seen in the 2000 census. The loss of 20,000 residents put those areas at a level lower than 1990, as detailed in the report "Countryside and Town: Population in Iowa's Counties Within and Outside of Incorporated Places, 1990 - 2010," provided by the Community Vitality Center, at Iowa State University.

Sandra Burke, assistant scientist in economics, said the gain seen between 1990 and 2000 was due, in part, to residents living on acreages and in unincorporated developments. It is somewhat surprising to see losses from open-country areas in some of Iowa's larger counties. Annexation activities on the part of communities might account for some of those losses.

"What's happening in some of these areas that are traditionally more rural and farm-based is that they are aging out. Younger residents are graduating high school and not returning, and gradually you lose people in the child-bearing age group," Burke said. "You don't have many children born in these areas and older residents are retiring off their farms."

Burke said that the unincorporated areas are not the same as the census's rural data, since the rural data include small towns. She said towns are better at holding their populations, but the loss in countryside areas does affect businesses in towns, especially in small- to medium-sized towns. "As there is a loss of population base, that will impact the kinds of retail operations you can support in a smaller community," she added.

Burke said some of the challenges for Iowa will be to look at farm succession trends, and work with young farmers to come in and take over operations from retiring farmers. She also said finding young entrepreneurs and their families to come into smaller towns to build businesses will be a key effort to maintaining population and vitality.

The full report is available for download from the Community Vitality Center website at www.cvcia.org.

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22 Jun 2011

Hispanic Population Continues to Rise in Iowa

By Joy Venhorst

AMES, Iowa - More than 151,000 Iowans claimed Hispanic or Latino origin on the 2010 census questionnaire. This is the largest minority group in the state at five percent, as detailed in the Iowa State University Extension report "Race and Hispanic Origin in Iowa's Counties, 1980-2010."

The White group in Iowa still outnumbers other groups, at 91 percent, but minority groups have increased by 11.3 percent in the last decade. The number of Whites increased by nearly 33,000, whereas minority groups increased by 130,000.

The Hispanic (any race) minority group increased the most in Iowa over the last decade.

"For some of these counties and communities, there are many minority people, and in other areas there are relatively few," said Sandra Burke, assistant scientist in economics. "In a number of these counties, it's going to be largely an increase in the Latino/Hispanic population."

Crawford County and Buena Vista County had the highest percentage of Hispanics, 24.2 and 22.7 percent respectively. Many other counties reported more than 10 percent Hispanic/Latino population.

"Those counties have had more Hispanic and Latino people taking the hard jobs in the meat plants, as well as jobs in ag processing, construction and hotel service; perhaps more than other racial groups have shown at this point," Burke said.

The full report is available for download on the Community Vitality Center website at www.cvcia.org.

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20 Jun 2011

Braley Fights for Eldridge Post Office

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) sent a letter to United States Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe demanding answers about the United States Postal Service (USPS) reduction of service at the Eldridge post office.

"I'm very concerned that my constituents in Eldridge will not receive the same quality of service they've come to rely on once these changes go into effect," said Rep. Braley. "Small communities depend on their local post office and I know how much this service means to Eldridge. That's why I'll continue fighting to protect access to this post office and I'll work to make sure we all receive timely and accurate information about how these reductions in service will affect the community of Eldridge."

The USPS confirmed last week that the delivery operations at the Eldridge Post Office will be relocated to the Northwest Station in Davenport, IA as part of the Delivery Unit Optimization (DUO) process. The DUO initiative involves moving city and/or rural letter carriers from one Post Office, station, or branch to another nearby postal facility. 
Services such as purchasing stamps, mailing packages, Post Office boxes, passports, and any other service currently available at local postal facilities will continue to be offered at the Eldridge facility and ZIP Codes will remain the same.

A copy of the letter is available here: http://go.usa.gov/Wwp

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20 Jun 2011

HUD AND NEIGHBORWORKS® AMERICA ANNOUNCE EMERGENCY HOMEOWNERS' LOAN PROGRAM

By Administrator

Program is Designed to Help Homeowners at Risk of Foreclosure

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in conjunction with NeighborWorks® America announced the launch of the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program (EHLP) today, to help homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure in 27 states across the country and Puerto Rico.

Congress provided $1 billion dollars to HUD, as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, to implement EHLP. The program will assist homeowners who have experienced a reduction in income and are at risk of foreclosure due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment, due to economic conditions or a medical condition.

Under EHLP program guidelines eligible homeowners can qualify for an interest free loan which pays a portion of their monthly mortgage for up to two years, or up to $50,000, whichever comes first.

"Through the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program the Obama Administration is continuing our strong commitment to help keep families in their homes during tough economic times," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "Working with our community partners across the nation through NeighborWorks® America, we are pleased to launch this program today in 27 states and Puerto Rico to help families keep their homes while looking for work or recovering from illness."

The EHLP program will pay a portion of an approved applicant's monthly mortgage including missed mortgage payments or past due charges including principal, interest, taxes, insurances, and attorney fees. EHLP is expected to aid up to 30,000 distressed borrowers, with an average loan of approximately $35,000.

"Through our work around the country, NeighborWorks® America knows all too well that in these tough economic times, homeowners facing foreclosure are seeking help wherever they can find it. The deadline is July 22, 2011, so we encourage homeowners to apply now in order to find out if  they qualify for this new mortgage assistance program and learn more about the many options available to assist those with housing needs," stated Eileen M. Fitzgerald, CEO of NeighborWorks® America.

The EHLP program is a complement to the Hardest Hit Fund which makes available $7.6 billion to 18 states and the District of Columbia that were hardest hit by the housing crisis. The EHLP program will be offered in the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming and Puerto Rico.  Five states operating substantially similar programs are administering EHLP directly: Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. With today's launch, mortgage assistance is now available for unemployed and underemployed homeowners in every state.

Contact information for participating agencies, the Pre-Applicant Screening Worksheet and more information on the EHLP program and its eligibility requirements can be found at www.FindEHLP.org or by calling toll free at 855-FIND-EHLP (346-3345).

About the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

About NeighborWorks® America

NeighborWorks® America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. Since 1991, we have assisted nearly 1.2 million low- to moderate-income families with their housing needs. Much of our success is achieved through our support of the NeighborWorks network ? more than 235 community development organizations working in more than 4,400 urban, suburban and rural communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $15 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation's leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.

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20 Jun 2011

ROCK ISLAND NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS SAVING OLD LINCOLN SCHOOL

By Barb Braun
ROCK ISLAND - The board of the Broadway Historic District Association has voted unanimously to recommend the Rock Island City Council stabilize old Lincoln School at 22nd Street and 7th Avenue. The board made the decision at its meeting June 16, 2011, based on results from a recent email survey sent to Broadway residents and property owners, as well as surrounding neighborhoods. The 118-year-old school is located within the boundaries of the Broadway Historic District, a residential area comprised of late 19th and early 20th century homes.

Of the 100 survey respondents, 83.5 percent are in favor of the city council spending $221,000 to repair the building's roof and structural elements, and install basic electric service and ventilations. About 16 percent said they would prefer the school to be demolished. An architect firm's study estimated it would cost $200,000 to $300,000 to demolish the building. The Broadway board was dismayed to learn last Monday the city council was leaning toward demolishing the school without a plan to enhance the property.

"Demolishing a structure of great significance to the neighborhood and the city without a purpose in mind reflects a lack of vision," says Deb Kuntzi, president of the Broadway Historic District Board. "The support from the neighborhood and other Rock Island residents for saving this school is tremendous, and so is its potential for reuse. We urge the city council not to make a hasty decision without further thought and exploration." 

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