State to help out damaged historic homes

May 30,2006 00:00 by press-citizen.com-

A quarter of a million dollars in state aid is available to help rebuild historic Iowa City homes damaged by the April 13 tornado.

The Emergency Historic Resource Development Program funding is available through the State Historical Society of Iowa.

“Individual homeowners invest a great deal of time and money each year to restore and maintain these homes,” said Sen. Joe Bolkom during a press conference announcing the funding this morning. “The vast majority of the money to repair this damage will come from private insurance, but we’re here to provide some assistance.”

Aside from assisting with repair costs not covered by insurance settlements, the grants are intended to help stabilize buildings so they can be protected from additional weather damage in advance of repair.

To qualify, homes must be eligible or listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic landmark.

Residents who suspect their homes may be eligible for assistance can contact the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. Also, historic architects will be available tomorrow and on June 8 to help homeowners determine if they qualify for the program.

After applications are sent by the June 13 deadline, the State Historical Society of Iowa’s grant review committee will distribute funds of up to $15,000 per property.

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By Hieu Pham
Iowa City Press-Citizen