Starting August 1, Iowa communities with populations of 5,000 or smaller can apply for special funding to inspect abandoned commercial buildings. The funds, from the DNR’s Derelict Building Grant Program, allow eligible communities to investigate the amount of asbestos present in a building and determine the physical characteristics and stability of these structures by completing structural engineering assessments.
The program provides small communities and rural counties financial assistance for abandoned commercial and public structures, which can improve the appearance of their streets, revitalize local economies, and alleviate the environmental concerns these buildings can pose.
