Community Disaster Grant Funds Allocated to City of Cedar Rapids

On February 2, 2009, Governor Culver signed the law appropriating $56 million state-wide for cities and counties within the Presidential Disaster Declaration Area.  The State designated $24 million for the Jumpstart Housing Program, $10 million for Individual Disaster Grants, and $22 million for the Community Disaster Grant Program.

Cedar Rapids was awarded $9,516,561 to add to the Jumpstart Housing Assistance Program, and the Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition is the local provider to receive the Individual Disaster Grants, which are distributed as $2,500 grants for unmet needs.

Cedar Rapids was also awarded $10,160,406 for the Community Disaster Grant program.  The State has directed that these funds be used for disaster-related costs that have not, or will not, receive funding from other federal or non-federal sources. Projects must fall into one of six categories: non-profit assistance, assistance for the purchase of public land that is not available from FEMA or local match assistance, rehabilitation of public infrastructure, revaluation of properties, small business assistance, or replacement or rehabilitation of housing.  No projects may be funded where the funds will replace federal funding. 

The Cedar Rapids City Council voted on March 25, to fund eight projects through this grant program.  

• Council Resolution 0283-03-09
• Support of CorridorRecovery.org Web site for $37,500
• Support of neighborhood organizations for $100,000
• Jumpstart Housing Gaps for $1,000,000
• Neighborhood Development Corporation for $1,500,000
• Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build for $1,000,000
• Restoration of various park areas for $200,000
• Small Business and Job Growth Gaps for $5,550,000
• Affordable Rental Housing Gaps for $772,906