Iowa Department of Natural Resources
May 7, 2009
For immediate release
1. Stimulus package up for approval at May EPC meeting
STIMULUS PACKAGE UP FOR APPROVAL AT MAY EPC MEETING
Could Yield $77 Million in State Revolving Loans to Iowa
MEDIA CONTACT: Jerah Gallinger at (515) 313-8909 or [log in to unmask]
DES MOINES – The federal stimulus package could mean improvements to Iowa’s many wastewater treatment plants and public drinking water systems.
Environmental Protection Commissioners will be asked to approve a spending plan for the state revolving low interest loan program at their May 19 meeting. That plan includes an additional $77 million awarded to Iowa for environmental protection under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The funds are designed to create jobs, assist communities impacted by the recession, and invest in infrastructure and environmental protection.
Iowa’s allocation was $53,040,000 for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to upgrade wastewater and sewer treatment plants, and improve storm water quality. The allocation to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund was $24,293,000 to upgrade drinking water systems.
“Under the regular SRF program, only low-interest loans are available. With the stimulus package, a new opportunity for Iowa’s disadvantaged communities is that at least half of the money will be allocated as forgivable loans,” said Patti Cale-Finnegan, DNR coordinator for the funds.
“Also about 20 percent of the funds must go for green projects – promoting water and energy efficiency, and storm water quality management,” she added. “For example, projects could include adding water meters, high efficiency pumps, porous pavement or rain gardens.”
In other business, commissioners will elect officers at this meeting.
The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. at the DNR Air Quality Building at 7900 Hickman Road in Urbandale. The meeting is open to the public and public participation is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.
The complete agenda follows:
· Approval of Agenda
· Approval of Minutes
· Director’s Remarks
· Contract – Structure, Inc. – Mobile Education Trailer – Transportation and Support Services
· Final Rule – Chapter 134 – Underground Storage Tank Licensing and Certification Programs
· Contract – University of Iowa – Water Assessment Services Staff Support
· Notice of Intended Action – Chapter 61 Water Quality Standards-Chloride, Sulfate and Total Dissolved Solids
· Air Quality - Title V Fee for SFY 2010
· Contract - Department of Economic Development for Small Business Assistance Program: Small Business Environmental Assistance Liaison
· Contract - University of Northern Iowa for Small Business Assistance Program: Iowa Air Emissions Assistance Program (IAEAP)
· Notice of Intended Action - Chapters 20, 22, 23, 25, 28 and 33: Air Quality Program Rules - Updates, Revisions, and Additions
· Contract – University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory – Environmental Monitoring and Laboratory Services
· Notice of Intended Action – Chapter 65 – Confinement Feeding Operation Applications for Construction Permits; Demand for Hearing Procedures
· Monthly Reports
· General Discussion
· Items for Next Month’s Meeting
o June 16 – Urbandale
o July 21 – Urbandale
Look for more information on the DNR Web site under “Commissions and Boards” at www.iowadnr.gov.
The members of the commission are Charlotte Hubbell, vice chair, Des Moines; David Petty, Eldora; Susan Heathcote, Des Moines; Paul Johnson, Decorah, Marty Stimson, Cedar Rapids; Eugene Ver Steeg, Inwood; Dale Cochran, Urbandale and Carrie La Seur, Mount Vernon. The director of the DNR is Richard Leopold.
Writer: Karen Grimes
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