Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• Safe Routes to School
• Employee Spotlight-Ross Hadley
• NICC Offers Class "Creating a Respectful Workplace"
• NEIRHTF is accepting applications
• Walkability Workshop

Some of the headlines you can read about:

• UERPC and ECIA Partnership
• Employee Spotlight-Amy Chicos
• EDA Awards Planning Dollars
• NE IA highlighted in Walking Book

Some of the headlines you can read about:

• Summer Intern on Board-Jesse Vorwald
• Northeast Iowa Clerk's Association Meets
• Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program
• Summertime Health Tips
• NEIRHTF is Accepting Applications
• Five Projects Awarded to Northeast Iowa Commuties

CLAYTON COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN ANNOUNCEMENT – CALL FOR PUBLIC REVIEW & INPUT

Clayton County, Iowa Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) will be available on the East Central Intergovernmental (ECIA) website (http://www.ecia.org/publications/index.cfm under News Articles/Misc.) from June 13 – July 15, 2016 for public review and input. The plan covers the jurisdictions of: Cities of Clayton, Elkader, Elkport, Farmersburg, Garber, Garnavillo, Guttenberg, Luana, Marquette, McGregor, Monona, Osterdock, North Buena Vista, St. Olaf, Strawberry Point and Volga. It also includes the Unincorporated County and the Community School Districts of Central, Clayton and MFL MarMac.

Each of the cities, the county and the school districts worked diligently to identify the strategies that addressed their individual concerns and the county as a whole.  For a hard copy of the plan, or for additional information, contact Jennifer Walker, Project Coordinator at ECIA at 563-556-4166 or jwalker@ecia.org. Or contact, Sarah Moser, Emergency Management Agency Coordinator for Clayton County at 563-245-3004, ext. 1 or ema@claytoncountyia.gov.

Some of the headlines you can read about:

• Transportation Update
• Employee Spotlight-Michelle Barness
• Iowa Association of Regional Councils Announces Carl Lingen as Executive Director
• 2016 Business and Community Wellness Summit
• Nuisance Property and Abandoned Building Program

Some of headlines you can read about:

• Free Business Consulting
• Employee Spotlight-April Bril
• Bike Safety Awarded
• Audit Complete
• NE IA Clerks Association Meeting
• NE IA Family STEM Festival
• Great Give Day

Some of the headlines you can read about:
*Annual STEM Festival
*Sam Whitehead replaces Organist at FCED
*Christensen Attends Conference in Minnesota
*EDA Priorities
*Audit Complete
*Financing Options for Small Business

Some of the headlines you can read about this month:

• USDA Community Facility Loan Program
• Board Member Spotlight - Denise Schneider
• Expansion Planned in Decorah
• Brownfields Workshop
• Retirement Party for Mary
• Audit Complete

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.