DES MOINES – The DNR Derelict Building Grant Program will award grants to 13 small, rural Iowa communities to help deconstruct or renovate abandoned structures, remove asbestos and limit construction and demolition materials going to the landfill.

The DNR Derelict Building Grant Program was instituted by statute to help rural communities with populations of 5,000 or less. DBGP funding is awarded annually on a competitive basis with cash matches required. Applications for the next funding round will be due on Feb. 20, 2020.

Among the projects that will receive a total of $396,864 as reimbursement grants are in:

• City of Afton — $31,403 to abate asbestos and deconstruct commercial building. City plans for a new community social center that will feature Wi-Fi for locals to use for gaming and access to the internet. And,
• City of Farragut — $12,100 to inspect and abate asbestos and complete a structural engineering analysis in an abandoned grocery store to determine the future use of the building.