Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey will join US Housing and Urban Development officials, Mayor Roy Buol of Dubuque and City of Dubuque officials, additional state officials and key stakeholders to provide significant flood reduction and water quality grant details. The leaders will discuss efforts to help accelerate flood reduction and water quality efforts in key watersheds around the state.

The Governors’ Wind Energy Coalition announced today that it has added solar energy issues to the Coalition’s portfolio, following a unanimous vote from member governors. The Coalition also announced its new name: Governors’ Wind and Solar Energy Coalition

The city of Johnston, Iowa, has been selected as one of 10 communities across the country to receive financial and technical guidance for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure planning from EPA’s new Water Community Assistance for Resiliency and Excellence (WaterCARE) program.

The entire Iowa congressional delegation, led by Iowa Congressman David Young, today called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to propose 2017 ethanol and 2018 biodiesel Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) consistent with enacted law

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds at their Monday morning press conference today announced that eligible Iowans can now buy a home and reduce their federal income tax liability by up to $2,000 a year for the life of their mortgage through the Take Credit mortgage credit certificate program administered by the Iowa Finance Authority. Approximately 780 home buyers are expected to benefit from the program in 2016, which is now available for new purchases through a network of lenders throughout the state.

The U.S. House members of the Iowa delegation, led by Congressman David Young, sent a letter to Speaker Ryan urging him to uphold Congress' promise to the renewable fuels industry by opposing any efforts to undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) on must-pass appropriations bills

Representatives Rod Blum and Dave Loebsack authored a bipartisan letter to the House Appropriations Committee encouraging the Committee to include language in the upcoming Omnibus bill for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite funding for projects authorized through the Water Resources Reform & Development Act. This would permit important projects awaiting federal funding -- like the Cedar Rapids flood mitigation efforts -- to begin receiving their authorized amount of federal funds

Home sales dropped 8.3 percent from October of last year. 3,412 homes sold last month, while 3,719 homes sold in October 2014. Despite this drop in sales, total sales for the year is 5.8 percent higher than in 2014.

U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today confirmed that the City of Carencro, La. will be receiving $2,001,735 in grants and $22,920,000 in loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development (RD) to build a wastewater treatment facility.

Homes sales and sale prices continue their steady upward trend in Iowa in September. This is the strongest third quarter Iowa has seen in 8 years. Homes are still selling quickly in Iowa with days on market at 68 last month. In September of 2014, the properties were on the market for an average 84 days.

Conditions remain favorable during September across the state with streamflow remaining above normal and no areas of drought. September was unusually warm with temperatures averaging more than 5 degrees above normal.

Those interested in well safety and groundwater quality should plan to attend the Iowa Groundwater Association’s fall conference Oct. 22 at the Terry Trueblood Center, 4213 Sand Road SE in Iowa City, with local tours on Oct. 21.

Back-ups and overflows can occur when homeowners “flush and forget” about their septic systems. Household wastewater carries disease-causing bacteria and viruses, chemicals, and high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. By taking small steps to maintain septic systems, homeowners can protect their property and the environment, save on costly repairs and ensure systems are functioning properly.

Who helped with the recruitment of new business and jobs after losing a major community employer? Who supported the needs of small and micro businesses? Who was instrumental in the construction of a business and community center? FHLB Des Moines members!

Homes in Iowa reached a new low in days on market. Sale prices continue to rise. Home sales in August did drop off from a year ago according to the Iowa Association of REALTORS