These come from Iowa State Rep. Elesha Gayman's newsletter:

"JUMPSTART IOWA" PROGRAMS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Governor Chet Culver announced that Iowans affected by this year's devastating storms, tornadoes, and floods can now apply for the Jumpstart Iowa Small Business Assistance Program and/or the Jumpstart Housing Program. The Governor encouraged all Iowans who may be eligible for assistance through Jump-start Iowa to apply.

Financial assistance is available to Iowans for housing and business recovery. Iowans who are interested in the programs are encouraged to call 1-866-849-0323, or visit www.jumpstart.iowa.gov. for more information. In addition to filling out and submitting the applications online, Iowans can also visit their local Councils of Government (COG), or city government if they live in Des Moines, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City or Waterloo. For the complete list of COG and city offices, please visit the Jumpstart Iowa Web site. The City of Cedar Rapids has asked that affected residents living within city limits call 211.

The Jumpstart Iowa Small Business Assistance Program provides $20 million in forgivable loans to small business owners, who must reopen within 12 months from the time their Jumpstart applications are approved. The funds will help pay down 25% of a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan from the federal government or up to $50,000. A business would not have to have received a loan, just be approved for one. An additional $5,000 is allowed for the purchasing of energy-efficient equipment. To qualify, business owners must have received a disaster loan from the Small Business Administration or a federal or state-chartered financial institution.

Jumpstart Housing Funds Available

The Jumpstart Iowa Housing Assistance Program provides $20 million for homeowners affected by this year’s severe weather. The program includes forgivable loans for down payment assistance, and for rehabilitation or repair assistance for families whose primary residence was destroyed or severely damaged. Iowans can also receive up to $1,000 a month for 12 months in mortgage assistance pending government buyout action. The maximum award is a $50,000 loan, plus an additional $10,000 for energy efficient appliances, all of which will be forgiven if the homeowner stays in the house for 10 years.

Also:

REBUILD Iowa ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission held their first meeting, since issuing their initial report, to begin working on long-term recommendations. When the Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission was established by executive order of Governor Chet Culver, the Commission was directed to establish recommendations after 45-days and 120-days. The Commission met on October 1 to begin their work on their 120-day recommendations. The Commission this time will take a more long-term view in developing recommendations for the Governor and Legislature.

It was announced at the meeting that FEMA has placed all families that were on the waiting list in temporary housing. The Commission members were updated on recovery progress since their last meeting. The review included the steps the Governor’s office and state agencies have taken to provide $40 million in state money for “Jump-start” initiatives in housing and small business recovery.

The review included an update on federal funding assistance. The State has received $85 million from the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agency through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. They are anticipated to receive another substantial allotment from the $200 million that HUD still has available through CDBG to help with disaster assistance. In the meantime, Congress has approved another $23 billion to provide disaster relief in 11 states, but it has not been determined how much Iowa will receive.

In planning for the preparation of the 120-day report, the Commission plans to reconvene the nine task force groups. The task forces will report to the Commission by the end of the month. The Commission will meet again November 6 and 7 to work on its report. A draft of the report will be reviewed during a teleconference meeting on November 13 and the 120-day re-port will be released on November 17.