Derelict Building Program

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Special Derelict Building Funding Round

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has launched a special $1 million funding round through the Derelict Building Grant Program to help small Iowa communities eliminate asbestos hazards in vacant structures.

This special round of funding is open to Iowa municipalities with populations under 5,000. Eligible properties must be locally owned, commercial or public buildings unoccupied for 6+ months that meet local derelict building criteria. Note: Historically listed properties are excluded.

The Iowa DNR is offering financial assistance, including covering 100% of Certified Asbestos Inspection costs and 100% of abatement costs up to $10,000 (a 50% cost-share applies to abatement amounts over $10,000). Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis upon project completion.

Applications must be submitted to the DNR by Friday, October 9, 2026. Successful applicants will have from December 1, 2026, until February 26, 2027, to complete their abatement projects. To apply or request application guidance, contact Reid Bermel at the DNR Land Quality Bureau at 515-217-7230 or [email protected]

2026 Special Asbestos Funding Application (954.93 KB) .pdf

2026 Special Asbestos Funding Instructions (252.11 KB) .pdf

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Derelict Building Program

The Derelict Building Program is available for Iowa towns of 5,000 or fewer residents to address neglected commercial or public structures that have sat vacant for at least 6 months. 

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Apply to the Program

The Program’s main focus is landfill diversion through the recycling and reuse of building materials and the elimination of hazards both inside and out posed by these empty structures.  

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Application Information

FY26 application deadline is Friday, February 27, 2026 for applicants who are seeking funding assistance with: 

  • conducting asbestos inspections
  • asbestos abatement
  • structural engineering analysis
  • phase I and phase II site assessments
  • building deconstruction
  • building renovation expenses
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Eligibility

There are three areas of eligibility criteria:

  • Building must not reside on the National Historic Register.
  • Only a City government may be an applicant and they must own or be in the process of owning the building.  Applicants may partner with non-profits on projects, but building must be owned by applicant.
  • The building must be a former commercial or public building that’s been abandoned for at least six months.
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Resources

To learn more about what the program offers, please review our brochure and/or factsheets:

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Identify C&D Diversion Markets

  • Applicants may work with local businesses, farmers, landowners, etc. to find markets for C&D materials.
  • You may also contact the Iowa Waste Exchange representative (483.88 KB) .pdf in your area, here is a link to the map to find your rep.  They may be able to assist you in finding diversion markets for building materials and there is no cost to you for their services.
  • If you’re having trouble finding a contractor the Iowa Waste Reduction Center has a list of contractors that may be of assistance
  • Another option is to contact your local Solid Waste Planning Agency, they may have options to assist you in diverting C&D materials
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Find a Contractor

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C & D Reuse Options

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Additional Resources

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Completed Projects

Explore completed derelict building program projects on this ArcGIS Experience Map. 

  • To learn more about the symbols in the map, click on the Legend label in the top left corner of the map.
  • Project Details can be found on the Solid Waste Alternatives Program web application
  • Choose 'Derelict Building' from the Funding Program drop down menu.  You may also choose “city” or “contract number” to find a specific project.
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