Monticello, OJ received derelict building grants

     Twelve small, rural Iowa communities have received grants from the DNR’s Derelict Building Grant Program to help deconstruct or renovate abandoned structures, remove asbestos, and limit construction and demolition materials going to the landfill.

     The City of Monticello was one of those recipients. Monticello was awarded $60,000 for asbestos abatement and renovation of the former Dollar General building located at the intersection of E. First Street and Cedar Street/Highway 38.

     Future plans include turning the building into an extension of the Dubuque Innovation Lab.

     The City of Oxford Junction also received a $30,000 grant to renovate an old masonry building. The city plans to offer the structure for sale with commercial space on the main level and residential rentals on the second floor.

     The DNR Derelict Building Grant Program was instituted by statute to help rural communities with populations of 5,000 or smaller remove environmental hazards, improve community appearance and minimize costs by recycling and reusing building materials throughout deconstruction of abandoned, derelict buildings.

     Grant funding is awarded annually on a competitive basis with cash matches required.

     The 12 communities received a combined total of up to $403,071.50 as reimbursement grants.