According to the National Institutes of Health, inhalation of asbestos particles can cause mesothelioma, a fatal type of cancer that can develop in the abdomen and chest. Nebraska home and business owners who want to remove and dispose of asbestos siding from their properties can apply for grants offered by federal, state and regional agencies. Certain grant programs provide funding for Nebraska homeowners, but others only award money to organizations or government agencies.
Childcare Grant Fund
Owners of home-based and commercial childcare centers may qualify for funding offered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) to abate asbestos issues in their properties. As of July 2011, the NDHHS offers a maximum of $5,000 for home-based childcare facilities and $10,000 for commercial childcare centers to correct building issues that may prevent beginning childcare providers from obtaining new operating licenses. The NDHHS also offers mini-grants up to $2,000 to help existing, licensed childcare providers fund building modifications to correct substandard conditions that do not meet licensing requirements.
Rural Home Repair Loan and Grant Program
Rural Nebraska homeowners may qualify for funding offered by the Rural Home Repair Loan and Grant program sponsored by the Rural Development division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program provides funding to help low-income rural residents make safety and health improvements to their homes, which may include replacement of siding, roof repairs or electrical rewiring. The USDA only offers grants to residents 62 years old and older who do not have the means to repay a loan. Grant recipients can receive up to $7,500, as of July 2011, but cannot use funding to pay for cosmetic home improvements, such as painting, installing kitchen cabinets or landscaping. The program also offers loans for low-income homeowners who do not qualify for grants. Borrowers can receive up to $20,000 with 20-year repayment terms and an interest rate of 1 percent.
EPA Cleanup Grants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers cleanup grants for brownfield properties, or buildings that contain hazardous substances. The grant program extends eligibility to nonprofit organizations, states, redevelopment agencies and local governments. As of July 2011, entities can apply for cleanup grants for up to five property sites and receive a maximum of $200,000 for each site. The program requires recipients to provide a cost share of 20 percent, which can include monetary contributions, materials, services or labor.
Owner-occupied Rehabilitation Program
The Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation offers funding to low- and moderate-income homeowners through the Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation program. The program only extends eligibility to residents of Dundy, Perkins, Hitchcock, Chase and Hayes Counties. While the intent of the OOR program is to provide funding for energy efficiency improvements, qualified homeowners may also receive funding to replace unsafe materials on their properties. The program offers funds in a forgivable loan agreement, which does not require repayment unless the homeowner sells the property within five years of receiving funding. Homeowners living in Southwest Nebraska must meet income limits to qualify for the OOR program.
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