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?

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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.