Small rural communities looking for assistance to help renovate or deconstruct abandoned commercial and public structures can apply for funding through the Iowa Derelict Building Grant Program. Applications for the next round of funding are due at 4 p.m. central time on Feb. 26th.

Instituted by state legislation to help rural communities with populations of 5,000 or less to deconstruct or renovate abandoned commercial and public structures, the Derelict Building Grant Program emphasizes reuse and recycling of building items, helps improve street appearance and commercial development, and alleviates the environmental concern these buildings can pose.

Financial assistance includes asbestos removal, building deconstruction and renovation, and other inspections and environmental site assessments. Funding is awarded annually on a competitive basis. A committee from the Iowa DNR, Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations, Iowa Recycling Association, Iowa Economic Development Authority and Keep Iowa Beautiful selects the projects for funding.

More information about the grant program, application forms, and resources are available at www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Land-Quality/Waste-Management/Derelict-Building-Program.