Are you a contractor who would like to receive payment in full shortly after completing a home rehabilitation project? Are you a contractor who has given an estimate to a homeowner, then come to find out that the homeowner may have difficulties affording the rehabilitation work? If so, the Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund (NEIRHTF) may be able to assist!
The NEIRHTF program can assist homeowners with home rehabilitation projects, now up to the new dollar amount of $12,500 (previously $10,000). In order to utilize NEIRHTF assistance, certain criteria need to be met by both the homeowner AND the contractor. In order for contractors and their workers to work on rehabilitation projects funded through the NEIRHTF, they must first complete lead certification training. In addition to meeting NEIRHTF requirements, this type of training is also important for protecting children, adults, pets and workers from lead poisoning.
Lead certification training is normally held outside of the region in Des Moines, Bettendorf, Coralville or Dubuque. To make lead certification training more accessible to contractors in Northeast Iowa, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC)—with support from the Fayette County Community Foundation and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC)—is hosting a FREE lead certification training locally with certified trainer Elizabeth Kemp of Dubuque, Iowa:
- Wednesday, November 15th 8 am – 5 pm at NICC in Calmar, Iowa (Wilder Business Ctr. Room W103E)
A FREE LUNCH will be provided. Registration is required prior to the training, and a pre-session PIN is needed for registration. Contact Lori Quam at lquam@uerpc.org or 563-382-6171 for the needed pre-session PIN.
In April 2010, the EPA and the State of Iowa adopted a regulation requiring persons conducting renovation, remodeling or painting in a home that is not their own built prior to 1978 to be certified as a lead safe renovator. The training to become certified is an 8-hour classroom training taught by a state authorized training provider. Lead Safe Renovator training covers the following topics:
- Introduction to Lead-based Paint and Lead Poisoning in Iowa
- Current Laws and Regulations
- Set-up and Safe Work Practices
- Clean-up
- On the Job Training
- Record Keeping
- Certification in Iowa
UERPC has been involved in supporting the growth and expansion of the counties of Allamakee, Clayton, Howard, Fayette and Winneshiek throughout Northeast Iowa since 1972. UERPC celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022 and is proud to have such great partnerships with cities, counties, businesses, state and federal agencies and residents. The UERPC Board of Directors is focused on helping create more family-friendly communities and opportunities in Northeast Iowa.
