The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced a special, one-time funding round for its Derelict Building Grant Program (DBGP), allocating an additional $1 million to assist Iowa municipalities with asbestos management in dilapidated buildings. This initiative is exclusively dedicated to covering the essential costs of removing asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in eligible properties.
This grant opportunity is open to municipal governments with populations under 5,000, targeting public or commercial buildings that have been unoccupied for at least six months and are currently owned by the local government. Municipalities can partner with local non-profit organizations for these projects. A "derelict building" is defined as a structure that has been abandoned, has an uncooperative owner, or whose owner is unable to bring it into compliance with local and state codes due to financial constraints, or one that is dilapidated, damaged, considered a nuisance, or has fallen into a state of disrepair or ruin. The DNR specified that buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places or on a State of Iowa Historical listing are not eligible for this program.
The DNR offers 100% reimbursement for Certified Asbestos Inspections and 100% reimbursement for ACM abatement costs up to $10,000. For costs exceeding $10,000, a 50% cost share is required. Funds are released on a reimbursement basis after proper documentation. Ineligible costs include taxes, overhead, legal fees, land acquisition, and expenses covered by other programs. Applications must be submitted by Friday, October 9, 2026, with successful applicants having from December 1, 2026, to February 26, 2027, to complete abatement projects. Questions regarding the program or proposal preparation should be directed to Reid Bermel at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Land Quality Bureau.
In other news, the Iowa DNR will host an online Life Cycle Analysis results stakeholder event on Thursday, September 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This event will present findings from an Iowa-specific analysis on the environmental impacts of mixed aluminum, food, plastic film, and textiles/leather waste, a collaborative effort funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through a Solid Waste Infrastructure (SWIFR) grant. Pre-registration is required for this event.
Additionally, the DNR is seeking public comments on several draft permits. The Air Quality Bureau has draft Title V Operating Permits for review, including one for CNH Industrial America LLC in Burlington, with comments due by September 26. The Water Quality Bureau is also reviewing draft water use permits, such as those for Woodward Golf Club in Dallas County (comments due September 16) and a modification for the City of Sioux City in Woodbury County (comments due September 23). These permits regulate water allocation and ensure compliance with environmental standards.