Contact:
Rich Russell, Building Services Manager
563-589-4150, rrussell@cityofdubuque.org http://www.cityofdubuque.org/buildingservices
Sept. 11, 2012 - For Immediate Release
ADA Compliance Grants Available to Downtown Properties
DUBUQUE, Iowa – The City of Dubuque is offering downtown property and business owners grants to assist with the costs of structural changes to make their properties more accessible and compliant with the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The new grant program was proposed by the City’s Building Services Department through the city’s annual budget process this spring. The City Council approved $35,000 for the program for the current fiscal year and each of the next four years. The fiscal year 2013 funds became available in July.
Eligible projects include “readily achievable” accessibility modifications to existing businesses including, but not limited to, parking issues, access ramps, and entry and restroom modifications. The maximum reimbursement a property can receive is equal to or less than 50 percent of the after-tax credit project costs, with a maximum of $5,000 reimbursed per property. For example, if a project cost $4,000, the property owner would qualify for a $2,000 tax credit. The remaining cost of $2,000 would qualify for up to 50 percent reimbursement through the City grant program for a final cost of just $1,000 to the property owner.
Grant funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible properties must be located in Dubuque’s Greater Downtown Urban Renewal District. Only projects completed after July 1, 2012, are eligible. A brochure on the program, which includes an application and map of the district, is available at www.cityofdubuque.org/ADA. For additional information on ADA compliance, or to apply for funding, please visit www.cityofdubuque.org/ADA or call 563.589.4150.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990 and is designed to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate to end discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It provides clear and consistent enforceable standards and ensures that the federal government plays a central role in enforcing these standards. The Iowa Accessibility Code provides accessibility standards for the state of Iowa for facilities used by the public. Accessibility is, therefore, prescribed by both state and federal law.
The City also works closely with Proudly Accessible Dubuque, an organization independent of the City that deals with accessibility issues. Proudly Accessible Dubuque works to raise awareness of these issues and helps provide information regarding accessibility for businesses. Since 2007 and in partnership with Premier Bank, the organization has offered Community Loan funds to businesses in the Dubuque area market to assist in improvements to their businesses to provide for a "proudly accessible" designation. For more information, visit www.ProudlyAccessibleDubuque.com.
This initiative supports the Sustainable Dubuque principle of Reasonable Mobility. www.sustainabledubuque.org
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