The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is nearing completion of Iowa's long-range public transportation plan. The plan is available for review by the public and Iowa DOT will accept feedback on the plan until July 1.

After the public comment period, public feedback will be considered and incorporated into the plan. The plan will then be presented to the Iowa Transportation Commission for final approval and publication.

For more information on the plan and how you can submit comments, click here.

The UERPC May 2020 Newsletter is here!  http://uerpc.org/newsletters.html

Highlights include:

• REMINDER:  UERPC Offices Remain Closed to the Public
• Input from Business, Attraction and Organization Leaders Needed by May 22^nd
• COVID-19 Info for Business Leaders
• COVID-19 Updates from Iowa Workforce Development
• Iowa DOT State Recreation Trails Program Accepting Applications Through July 1^st
• Praise Received from Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund Client
• REMINDER:  UERPC Offices will be closed on Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day
• Employee Spotlight:  Sarah Snitker
• NEICAC Offering Free Home Deliveries
• Census Workers Still Needed Across the State
• UERPC Receives $5,000 from Bank of the West for Affordable Housing 
• Looking to Make an Impact? Iowa Needs You. 
• COVID-19 Volunteer Needs
• "UP" with Iowa
• May 5-2-1-0 Feature:  May is Bike Month!

Want to receive our newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here:  http://uerpc.org/newsletters.html

The UERPC April 2020 Newsletter is here! https://mailchi.mp/5e31fb34476b/uerpc-april-2020-newsletter-3195449

Highlights include:

• See Inspiring Acts? Share With #IowansUnite
• Changes to Iowa Workforce Development Services
• Helpline Providing Guidance For ALL Businesses Applying for Funding Assistance During the COVID-19 Emergency
• City of Fort Atkinson Awarded CDBG Water/Sewer Award
• UERPC Accepting Applications for Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Programs
• UERPC Region Visits Homes for Iowa Project
• Employee Spotlight:  Karine Schager
• CDBG Housing Fund Application Period Now Open
• CANCELLED:  Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival in Decorah
• REMINDER:  Don't Forget to Fill Out Your Census! 
• Census Workers Still Needed Across The State
• Thank You To Out-Going UERPC Board Members
• UERPC Staff Outing at Waukon Wellness Center
• April 5-2-1-0 Feature:  How To Practice Healthy Habits At Home
• REMINDER:  UERPC Offices Remain Closed to the Public

Want to receive our newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here:  http://uerpc.org/newsletters.html

MEMO

Date:             March 23^rd, 2020

To:                Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Participants & Landlords

From:          Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority (UERHA) Management

Subject:      COVID-19 Operations & Services

EFFECTIVE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25^TH, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please be advised, effective Wednesday, March 25^th until further notice, Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority will be implementing the following measures to project our staff, tenants, and stakeholders:

• Recertification deadlines will be extended as need demands
• Closure of Section 8 office to the public with staff working remotely
• Suspension of in person inspections  (self-certification inspections will be implemented)
• Suspension of terminations 
• Suspension of voucher issuance for current and new clients
• Suspension of moves and portability
• Landlord payments will continue to be processed
  however delays may be experienced

Our staff will continue to serve clients both remotely and in office as required to complete essential functions.  We ask that all communication be done through phone, email, fax and/or the dropbox located outside our office 134 West Greene Street, Postville, Iowa 52612.  Voicemails will be checked several times per day and your call will be returned within 24 hours. The best way to contact staff during this time is via email.  Please see attached document for additional information.

Capacity will be limited during this time; we ask for your patience
during this rapidly changing situation. 

These are challenging times, but we are here for you. We echo our governor’s guidance and strongly urge you to follow public health directives stay home if ill or experiences symptoms.  We will continue to keep you updated on UERHA services during this unprecedented public health crisis.  Further changes will be posted on our website at http://uerpc.org/regional-housing-authority.html. 

Staff can be contacted via email at the following:

• Karine Schager, General Assistance Questions, kschager@uerpc.org
• Kayla Miller, Case Worker-Allamakee, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties & West Union, kmiller@uerpc.org.
• Casey Meyer, Case Worker-Fayette & Clayton Counties, cmeyer@uerpc.org
• Katie Nolte, Housing Department Head, knolte@uerpc.org

You may also leave a voicemail at (563) 864-7551.  Voicemails will be returned within 24 hours of your call. 

Tenants and landlords may submit documents to Upper Explorerland through the following means:

• Email (see above)
• Postal Mail-134 West Greene Street, Postville, IA 52162
• Drop-box located outside our offices at the address above
• Fax-(563) 864-7535

To report a change in income the change must be anticipated to last longer than 30 days.  Income changes should be reported within 14 days of the change occurrence. Changes in assistance as a result of an income change will take effect in the month following the report.  Due to a the COVID-19 pandemic we will be allowing tenants to self-certify income changes with follow up verification.  Please contact your caseworker to obtain a income change request form.