The American Heart Association of Iowa held their first Legislative Breakfast of 2016 on Wednesday, January 13th at the Iowa State Capitol focusing on the need for a state funded Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.  As a federally-funded program, SRTS provides the financial resources to repair sidewalks, hire crossing guards, and remove the barriers that discourage parents from allowing their students to walk to school.  Because Iowa has received limited federal funds, the American Heart Association is encouraging the state legislature to invest $1.8 million to create a state-funded Safe Routes to School program.

Supporters and volunteers from across the state joined the American Heart Association at the Iowa State Capitol to talk with their lawmakers about why they support a state-funded SRTS program due to the health, safety and economic benefits it will provide for all Iowans, and especially children.  Supporters were able to talk with approximately 50 Iowa legislators who were in attendance at the breakfast including Senator Liz Mathis, Representative Dave Heaton, Senator Mike Gronstal, Representative Linda Miller, Senator Janet Petersen and Representative Dave Maxwell, who is also a heart disease survivor.  

One supporter who came to talk with legislators at the event was Ashley Christensen, Safe Routes to School Coordinator for Northeast Iowa.  She talked about the health benefits saying, “Children today are not getting enough physical activity which leads to many health issues.  And one of the best ways to create more opportunities for our children to be active is through supporting Safe Routes to School.”

There are safety and economic benefits, along with many others, that a SRTS program would provide as well.  It would cut down on pedestrian accidents because in areas without sidewalks, children are twice as likely to be struck by a vehicle.  And allowing school districts to cut even just one bus route would save a school district $37,000 per year, easing the financial burden on schools already struggling with budget cuts.

To learn more about Safe Routes to School in Iowa the public is encouraged to contact the American Heart Association’s Safe Routes to School Campaign Manager Carrie Mueller at Carrie.Mueller@heart.org or 515-414-3212 or visit www.HealthierIowa.com.

About the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association:
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. The American Stroke Association is a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.heart.org.

Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• Transportation Alternatives Project (TAP) Applications due February 26, 2016
• Board Member Spotlight-Mark Kuhn
• Surface Transportation Project (STP) Applications due February 26, 2016
• I-Walk Project
• Housing Fund Receives Grant
• UERPC Hosts Annual Legislative Event
• Safe Routes Approved for Funding
• IowaWorks Did you Know-Apprenticeships
• IARC Hosts Legislative Event at Capitol

Upper Explorerland RPC has funding to assist First Time Homebuyers and Qualified Veterans with down payment and rehabilitation assistance in the Cities of Decorah, Oelwein, Elkader or Marquette.

With these IFA funds, homebuyers can receive up to $24,999 in assistance for rehabilitation and down payment assistance.

For an application and more information on the First Time Homebuyer Program, please contact Upper Explorerland RPC, at 563-864-7551 and ask for Sarah Snitker, ext. 101 or Michaela Collins, ext. 102. Application can be obtained online at www.uerpc.org.

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL COORDINATOR
The Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG) in Waterloo is seeking a Safe Routes to School Coordinator to work with school staff, children, parent/teacher groups, and community members to increase the number of families and youth walking and biking to school. Bachelor’s degree in Leisure Services, Youth and Human Services, Health Promotion and Education, Public Administration, Marketing, or other related field and one year experience in implementing school age programs, public outreach, or public relations required. Applications may be requested by calling (319) 235-0311 and will be accepted until the position is filled.  EOE

NEIRHTF ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund (NEIRHTF) is accepting applications for housing rehabilitation\improvement projects.  Applicants can be low-moderate income homeowners, landlord/for-profit organizations or non-profit organizations to promote and create affordable housing activities.  All applicants must be in one of the four counties of Allamakee, Clayton, Howard, and Winneshiek. Eligible projects include rehabilitation and repair of existing housing, including, but not limited to: Roofs, windows, siding, plumbing electrical, energy efficiency, lead paint issues, and handicap accessibility.

For more information on the NEIRHTF, please contact Upper Explorerland RPC, at 563-864-7551 ext. 111 for Mary Huinker, or you can obtain an application online at www.uerpc.org.

This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.

Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• Area Housing Trust Funds Receive Grants
• Board Member Spotlight-Vicki Rowland
• Holiday Gift Giving
• Walking School Bus Safety Kits Funded by ACCF
• UERPC Holiday Hours

Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• Area Funds Received
• Board Member Spotlight-Paul Ryan
• Veteran's Hiring Toolkit
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit
• Making SRTS a Priority in Iowa
• Thanksgiving Hours

Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• NEICAC partners with UERPC to Open NEICAC Postville Family Service Office
• Board Member Spotlight-Nina Taylor
• Decorah Featured in National Publication about Physical Activity
• IowaWorks Did you Know
• Horman Assists a Multitude of Businesses

Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• Workforce Housing Loan Program
• Alison Holten, Board Member Spotlight
• Public Input Meeting in Decorah
• Call to Action!
• City Accounting Training
• City Clerks Gather at UERPC

Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• Apprenticeships
• Board Member Spotlight-Charles Frana
• CDBG Trainings and Upcoming Workshops
• School Traffic Picking Up
• Searching for Grant Wood
• Great Partnerships

Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• First Time Homebuyer Funding Available
• Board Member Spotlight-Les Askelson
• Protect Iowa Habitat-Observe Mowing Restrictions
• UERPC Employees Attend Workshop
• Oelwein IRP
• SRTS Annual Report Now Available

Housing Program Meeting Being Held
Tuesday, May 19th at 11:00 a.m.
Oelwein Chamber and Area Development
25 West Charles, Oelwein, IA

Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) is hosting a meeting regarding housing programs that are available in Northeast Iowa.  Guest speakers include Jeremy Babcock and Steve Benne with Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), Jerry Floyd and Rita Eble from the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Kathy Pfiffner from USDA.

Hot Topics include:

• IEDA Workforce Housing Tax Incentive Program (WHTIP) is to provide financial incentives for the development of housing.
• IEDA Owner Occupied Rehabilitation to assist with rehabilitation assistance for low-to moderate income homeowners in their community.
• IFA First Time Homebuyer or Qualified Veteran program to assist with down payment and rehabilitation assistance.
• USDA-Repair and Rehabilitation Program to assist applicants with 1% loans and those 62 and older with grants for homeowner rehabilitation.
• USDA Direct and Guaranteed loan programs for help in purchasing homes.
• USDA Multi-Family Housing to assist with rental assistance in rural development financed apartments.
• UERPC Housing Trust Fund Programs-Funding available to assist homeowners and landlords with rehabilitation assistance.
• UERPC-Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental assistance to those under 50% of HUD’s income guidelines.

This meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Oelwein Chamber and Area Development office at 25 West Charles Street, in Oelwein.  If you are interested in attending this meeting or would like more information please contact Mary Huinker at 563-864-7551 ext. 111 or by emailing Lori Brockway at lbrockway@uerpc.org.

Clayton County Development Group in Elkader the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in Cedar Rapids and Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission in Decorah are holding an informational session on various sources of financing for start-up & existing businesses.  SBA, a federal government agency devoted to assisting small & medium-sized businesses, will have a representative discussing business loan options, and Clayton County Development Group and Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission will have a representative discussing RLF funds available for businesses.  The 1-1/2 hour session, including questions & answers, will take place on Tuesday, May 12th starting @ 5:30 PM at Clayton County Office Building at 600 Gunder Rd. in Elkader, Iowa.  Register today to attend contact Darla Kelchen at 563-245-2201.

WHAT:       Free informational session on sources of money for businesses
WHO:        New/start-up and existing business owners/managers
WHEN:      Tuesday, May 12th, 2015 starting @ 5:30PM & wrapping up by 7PM
WHERE:    Clayton County Office Building 600 Gunder Rd. Elkader
COST:        Free

Join Clayton County Development, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission and SBA to learn more about the options available for financing your business.  Also, discussed briefly will be government contracting opportunities and free counseling along with low cost training resources available for businesses.  Get your questions answered.  Register by contacting Darla at the CCDG office at 563-245-2201.

UERPC is seeking car bids for a 2007 Malibu, LS V6 package, 141,993 highway miles, grey, four-door, cloth interior, very clean. Minimum bid is $2,400.

Please submit sealed bids to Executive Director, Rachelle Howe, UERPC, 325 Washington Street, Decorah, IA  52101.  Bids will be opened at 12:00 Noon on May 7th. You do not need to be present at opening of bids.

To:             Local Area Contractors or Developers
From:        Sarah Snitker, Program Administrator
RE:           Information on 2 Upcoming Meetings

Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) will be holding an informational meeting for local contractors or developers interested in higher education of their craft.  This meeting will be instructed by Bill McAnally and discuss high performance building information and ways to make homes more energy efficient.  

Bill has more than 35 years of experience in the construction industry.  He was a building contractor for over 15 years specializing in new home and light commercial construction.  During this time he focused on energy-efficient and healthy building methods.  Bill was also a carpentry instructor for Iowa Central Community College for 17 years, eventually serving as Department Chair of Industrial Technology.  Bill now operates Bill McAnally Consulting.

This meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 8:30 A.M. at the Upper Explorerland Conference Room, 134 W. Greene Street, Postville, IA.  This meeting will be free of charge.  

For any contractors interested in bidding or working on projects within the City of Lansing through the Lansing Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program, this meeting is highly encouraged as it will discuss ways in which work will have to be done for these projects.  

UERPC along with USDA, IFA and IEDA will be hosting a housing incentives meeting to discuss options for housing incentives available in our area. This meeting will discuss the Workforce Housing Tax Incentive Programs, all HOME assistance programs and also about loans and grants available through USDA. This meeting will be held at the Oelwein Economic Development Office at 25 W Charles Street in Oelwein on Tuesday, May 19th at 11 a.m.

If you are interested in attending these meetings or would like more information please contact Sarah at 563-864-7551 ext. 101 or by email at ssnitker@uerpc.org.  

Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• Free Informational Session on Financing Sources for Businesses
• Jane Regan-Board Member Spotlight
• Grassley Recognizes UERPC for Exemplary Work
• UERPC Awarded Grants for SRTS
• IowaWorks Did You Know
• UERPC is Teaming Up with Spectrum Network
• IARC Hosts Legislative Breakfast
• Upcoming Events
• UERPC Partners with Clayton County EMA
• Great Give Day, 2015

Families throughout Northeast Iowa are invited to attend the Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival on Thursday, April 30, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Northeast Iowa Community College Wilder Business Center, 1625 Highway 150 South, Calmar, Iowa. The festival is free and open to the public.

Over 30 activities and organizations will be at this hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) festival created especially for 3rd-8th grade students and their families. Attendees can view the night sky from a star lab, fly a flight simulator, conduct amazing science experiments, and much more!

The goals of this festival are to increase students’ interests in STEM and to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of STEM-related educational and career opportunities.

The Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival is a community-wide partnership led by Northeast Iowa Region Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at University of Northern Iowa, Northeast Iowa Business Network (in part, by the Iowa Economic Development Authority), Northeast Iowa Community College, Keystone AEA, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, IowaWorks, and Upper Exploreland Regional Planning Commission.

The Northeast STEM Region, managed by Jeff Beneke, is one of six Iowa STEM Regions guided by the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council and dedicated to building a strong STEM education foundation for all Iowans. For more information about this STEM Region or the Iowa STEM Network, contact Jeff Beneke at 319-273-7397 or go to http://www.neiowastem.com.

For more information, watch this youtube video by clicking here.

Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• Northeast Iowa Stem Festival
• Employee Spotlight-Cassie Martin
• UERPC Partners with WCDI
• IowaWorks Did You Know
• Spring Walking School Bus
• Great Give Day
• Main Street Iowa
• Upcoming Events

Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• UERPC to Host City Finance 101
• Board Member Spotlight-Kay Vorwald
• City of Lansing Selected for Energy Retrofit Pilot Program
• Upcoming City Clerk's Meeting
• Iowa Cancer Consortium recognizes UERPC's cancer fighting efforts
• UERPC Awarded Grant to Support Safe Routes to School efforts in Howard County
• Solar Powering Your Community
• Revolving Loan Fund Training
• Audit
• Healthiest State Initiative

Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• Iowa Finance Authority Awards money for Local Housing Trust Funds
• Board Member Spotlight-Roger Arthur
• UERPC Hosts Annual Legislative Event
• Tell us About your Community's Walking Conditions
• Iowa Transportation Commission Approves SRTS
• IowaWorks Did you Know
• Audit Complete

The FruitGuys Community Fund offers funding to support sustainability projects for small to mid-size farms. A primary goal of the fund is to help farms and orchards operate more sustainably and to promote advocacy that, over the long term, creates a more sustainable food system and healthier planet. Applications must be received by February 16, 2015.

The Iowa Safe Routes to School meeting will take place on January 24, 2014 from 8:30-10:00 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. We will have two guest speakers and the theme of our meeting will focus on the best practices for building walking school bus programs.

Our first speakers, Pam Hoogerwerf, Director for Community Outreach and Injury Prevention University of Iowa Children’s Hospital and Dr. Cara Hamann, a postdoc and injury epidemiologist for the Injury Prevention Research Center at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. Pam and Dr. Hamann will discuss their upcoming project, Pedal PORTAL pilot, a naturalistic bicycling study conducted in Iowa that utilized GPS-enabled helmet cameras to capture the bicycling experience of children and adults. Results presented will include descriptions of typical riding patterns, differences between adults and children, and rates of errors, near crashes, and crashes.

Ashley Christensen serves as the Regional Safe Routes to School Coordinator for Northeast Iowa and is dedicated to increasing physical activity levels among youth by enabling and encouraging students to safely walk and bicycle to and from school and in daily life. Ashley will review her guide on 10 Steps to Creating a Rural, Regional Safe Routes to School Program.

During the last part of our meeting we will be discussing Walking School Buses: Best Practices. We hope to have Walking School Bus Coordinators from around the state come to share their best practices. This is a great networking opportunity for individuals and communities to share their stories with successes and hurdles. Come sit with us and let's compare our notes on our sustainable Walking School Bus Programs.

Let’s explore our mutual mission by expanding the importance of Safe Routes to School. This meeting is a fantastic opportunity to network while growing lasting partnerships and to change the state of Iowa one safe route at a time.

For more information on the Iowa Safe Routes to School program and to register for this free meeting, please visit http://iowasaferoutes.org/ or contact Alana Croco (alana@iowabicyclecoalition.org).

Thanks to generous support from the Allamakee County Community Foundation (ACCF) and the Depot Outlet, the 2015 Bike Rack Challenge will again take place this coming spring!

The Bike Rack Challenge, a project organized by UERPC’s Northeast Iowa Safe Routes to School Program and the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative, encourages biking to school and other community destinations through youth creativity, skill and leadership. Bike racks ultimately benefit the health of individuals, communities and the environment by providing a secure bike parking location, which helps people get around better by bike.

Each spring, high school industrial technology classes are challenged to construct a usable bike rack for their school or other community location using as much recycled material as possible. Classes have from January until May to design and construct their bike rack.

Again, many thanks to the ACCF and the Depot Outlet for supporting this fun, challenging and rewarding project for students and for supporting community wellness and community betterment for years to come!

Northeast Iowa schools can still sign up for the Bike Rack Challenge! Click below to learn more or contact Ashley Christensen:  563-382-6171 or achristensen@uerpc.org.

Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• Iowa DOT Switches Into Winter Mode
• Employee Spotlight-Michaela Collins
• USDA Invests in Small and Emerging Rural Businesses and Rural Transportation
• IowaWorks-Did you Know?
• Legislative Event
• Eating Healthy While Managing Holiday Stress
• UERPC Spreads Its Wings

The Iowa Department of Transportation is requesting public input on the proposed bridge replacement on U.S. 18 over Haugh Creek, 0.4 mile west of the junction of U.S. 18 and Fayette County Road V-68.

The proposed project provides for replacing the existing bridge with a precast concrete arch culvert. The existing adjacent pavement, which was not resurfaced as part of a 2011 overlay project, would also be removed and replaced.

Through traffic on U.S. 18 would be detoured during construction using Chickasaw County roads V-56 and B-44 and Fayette County roads B-44 and V-68. The detour is expected to last approximately 30 days. For more information, see the website listed below.

For general information or to make a comment regarding the proposed bridge replacement, contact Nick Humpal, district design engineer, Iowa DOT District 2 Office, 1420 Fourth St. SE, Mason City, Iowa 50401, phone 641-423-7584 or 800-477-4368, email nickolas.humpal@dot.iowa.gov.

Comments must be received by Nov. 24, 2014, to be considered.

Visit the Iowa DOT’s website below regarding public involvement opportunities for projects without scheduled public meetings, for information about scheduled public meetings and hearings, and opportunities to offer input to the Iowa DOT during the development of certain projects.