The Central contractor registration system will shut down next Wednesday, May 23, 2012.  Companies currently use the online database to update their contractor registration with the federal government, and is required for many who receive ARRA funds.  The Washington Business Journal says, the General Services Administration is leading an effort to consolidate the various systems used for federal procurement into one: the System for Award Management. Ultimately, the new system will make life easier for contractors by allowing them to log in and enter their information into one online system rather than many.

We will begin the reporting cycle for CY 2012, Qtr 1 soon. The reporting schedule is provided on the information page of the reporting system - here. The last day to make corrections to the CY 2011, Qtr 4 Reports is close of business on Monday, March 12, 2012.

Recovery Act data reported through period ending December 31, 2011 is now available on the Iowa Recovery website - here.  At this site, citizens are able to filter the data by county, state agency, federal program, ARRA issue area and keyword searches.  A detail breakdown of job information by occupation is available - here.

We will begin the reporting cycle for CY 2011, Qtr 4 soon.  The reporting schedule is provided on the information page of the reporting system - here.  The last day to make correctionsto the CY 2011, Qtr 3 Reports is close of business on Friday, December 9, 2011.

Recovery Act data reported through period ending September 30, 2011 is now available on the Iowa Recovery website - here.  At this site, citizens are able to filter the data by county, state agency, federal program, ARRA issue area and keyword searches.  A detail breakdown of job information by occupation is available - here.

Since the creation of the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board (RATB) by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Recovery Board has worked to provide American taxpayers with unprecedented accountability regarding the funds allocated by the Recovery Act.

As part of its continuing efforts, from 8 A.M. on October 17 to 8 A.M. October 24, 2011, the Recovery Board and the National Academy of Public Administration will conduct an interactive online dialogue to solicit your input regarding methods to further prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse of Recovery Act funds.

USDA Rural Development is assisting the with the construction of a community center in Lennox, IA with grant funds totaling $114,750.  A majority of these funds were made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.   The total cost of the project is estimated to be $680,000.

“We are pleased to be assisting with this community center project that will provide a wonderful service to residents living in and around Lenox,” said Bill Menner, USDA Rural Development State Director in Iowa.  More information on the project is available here.

An ARRA Reporting Refresher Webinar is scheduled for Friday, September 23rd from 9 to 11 AM. This training will provide an overview of Iowa’s reporting system, review how the reporting process works, and answer questions reporters have regarding reporting.

Groundbreaking ceremony took place on Monday in Lewis, IA for an economic development project to replace an aging and undersized library building in Lewis, IA.   The project was assisted with USDA Rural Development Grant Funds.  More information on the groundbreaking ceremony can be found - here.

The ground breaking was for a building will serve as a fire station, a meeting place and training area for first responders, as well as the community’s new public library and city hall.  See more on the ground breaking ceremony - here.

Contact: Kerry Koonce
Telephone: (515) 281-9646

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Iowa Workforce Development is rapidly deploying access points across the state to bring workforce services closer to Iowans.

“The access point system provides Iowans with the opportunity to utilize workforce services in a convenient location close to home,” indicated Iowa Workforce Development director Teresa Wahlert. “With over 135 access points, 16 regional centers and 3 satellite offices we have more than doubled our access for Iowans and we will continue adding locations throughout the year.”

We will begin the reporting cycle for CY 2011, Qtr 3 soon.  The reporting schedule is provided on the information page of the reporting system - here.  Please note, this schedule is subject to change if OMB alters the federal due dates.  The last day to make corrections in the federal system to the CY 2011, Qtr 2 Reports is NOON on Thursday, September 15, 2011.

Contact: Kerry Koonce: (515) 281-9646

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Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 6.0 percent in July, but was down from 6.2 percent for the same month one year ago. While Iowa employers have steadily added jobs in 2011, the gain has not been large enough to significantly reduce the state’s jobless rate. The national unemployment rate for July eased down to 9.1 percent from 9.2 percent in June.

“Nonfarm employment for July reflected a resurgence in the state’s construction and manufacturing sectors,” said Teresa Wahlert, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Both industry sectors advanced to their highest employment levels for 2011, offering renewed optimism for a stronger performance in the second half of the year.”

The statewide estimate of unemployed state residents edged slightly higher to 100,900 in July from 100,200 in June, as a large number of recent school graduates began looking for work. The level of unemployment was reported at 103,500 in July 2010.

The total number of working Iowans fell to 1,568,300 in July; 7,500 less than in June, but 2,200 higher than one year ago. Total employment for the current year peaked at 1,583,400 in April.

Recovery Act data reported through period ending June 30, 2011 is now available on the Iowa Recovery website - here.  At this site, citizens are able to filter the data by county, state agency, federal program, ARRA issue area and keyword searches.  A detail breakdown of job information by occupation is available - here.

Contact: Kerry Koonce: (515) 281-9646

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DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June held steady at 6.0 percent for the third consecutive month. One year ago, the state’s jobless rate was 6.1 percent. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy experienced a “soft patch” during second quarter that pushed the national unemployment rate to 9.2 percent in June from 9.1 percent in May.

“Iowa’s economic recovery remains on track as we move into the second half of 2011,” said Teresa Wahlert, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “The state’s unemployment rate averaged 6.0 percent for the first six months of the year compared to 9.0 percent for the nation.”

The state’s pool of unemployed persons increased to 100,900 in June from 100,500 in May. However, the number of unemployed fell by 1,500 since June 2010.

The total number of working Iowans fell to 1,576,100 in June, its lowest point for the year. The figure compared with 1,582,500 for May, and 1,566,800 for one year ago.

Contact: Kerry Koonce: (515) 281-9646

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DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.0 percent in May, but was down slightly from the year ago rate of 6.1 percent. Nationwide, the unemployment rate rose to 9.1 percent in May from 9.0 percent in April, while U.S. employers hired only 54,000 workers, the fewest in eight months.

“Iowa outperformed the nation in May by posting its strongest job growth for the year,” said Teresa Wahlert, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “The state marked its fifth consecutive month of job gains led by strong hiring in the manufacturing sector.”

The statewide estimate of unemployed persons edged down to 100,900 in May from 101,600 in April. The level of unemployed was reported at 102,100 one year ago.

 The total number of working Iowans dipped slightly to 1,582,500 in May from 1,583,400 in April, but was 14,700 higher than the year ago total of 1,567,800.

"In today's global economy, it is important to have the resources and technology needed to have a competitive advantage. Quality high-speed Internet service is not only an integral component in any business but it also spurs job creation and innovation," said Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad.

A reporting refresher will be held from 9 to 11 AM on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 for CY 2011, Qtr 2 reporting.  Just follow the steps below to join:

1.  Join Webinar by clicking link below:
https://www2.gotowebinar.com/register/302194530

2. You will be connected to audio using your computer's microphone and speakers (VoIP).  A headset is recommended.

Or, you may select "Use Telephone" after joining the Webinar.

Dial +1 (470) 200-0300
Access Code: 337-103-392
Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting

Webinar ID: 302-194-530

**Webinar rescheduled due to audio problems.  For rescheduled times and registration link, go to http://www.iowa.gov/recovery/article.php?story=20110621093515831.**

We will begin the reporting cycle for CY 2011, Qtr 2 soon.  The reporting schedule is provided on the information page of the reporting system - here.  Please note, this schedule is subject to change if OMB alters the federal due dates.  The last day to make corrections in the federal system to the CY 2011, Qtr 1 Reports is Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

John Arthur, an Area Director with USDA Rural Development, was in Lowden today to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art fiber optic network that will improve communications services in eastern Iowa.

USDA Rural Development is providing financial assistance to F&B Communications as the company brings advanced data, video and voice services to rural customers in the Bennett, Lowden and Delmar exchanges. The project is being assisted by a $1,628,588 loan and $1,609,162 grant made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and administered through USDA.

Contact: Kerry Koonce: (515) 281-9646

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DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate eased slightly in April to 6.0 percent from the previous month’s rate of 6.1 percent. The statewide jobless rate stood at 6.1 percent in April 2010. In contrast, the U.S. unemployment rate for April was at 9.0 percent, surpassing the Iowa rate by three full percentage points.

“Job gains accrued for the fourth consecutive month, but at a slightly slower pace,” said Teresa Wahlert, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “ Manufacturing continues to be the driving force in the Iowa recovery.”

The statewide estimate of unemployed persons declined slightly to 102,000 in April from 102,500 in March. The level was reported at 102,300 one year ago.

Total employment increased to 1,583,400 in April from 1,581,100 in March, confirming further progress in the state’s recovery. The April figure was 15,200 higher than one year ago.

$268.2 million of the $2 billion will be used to purchase 48 high-performance passenger rail cars and 7 quick-acceleration locomotives for 8 corridors in the Midwestern States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri.  Read more here.

Summary of the number of awards and recipient types at the federal level has been compiled and is available for viewing here:

http://www.recovery.gov/News/featured/Pages/RecipientReportedData-Q12011-Initial.aspx

Recovery Act data reported through period ending March 31, 2011 is now available on the Iowa Recovery website - here.  At this site, citizens are able to filter the data by county, state agency, federal program, ARRA issue area and keyword searches.  A detail breakdown of job information by occupation is available - here.

For more information contact:

• The Magellan Pipeline Company, L.P., will receive $500,000 in grant assistance to install new equipment that will allow for the unloading, storage and blending of biodiesel at their Des Moines, Iowa terminal.
• Kum & Go, L.C. was awarded a $400,000 grant to install four or more ethanol blender pumps at 10 new Kum & Go stations for a total of 40 individual blender pumps. These blender pumps will allow Iowa consumers more choices of various ethanol blended gasoline.
• The Iowa Biodiesel Board will receive a $33,000 grant to educate Iowa diesel technicians on the benefits of biodiesel through their Biodiesel for Diesel Technicians Program. 

Kerry Koonce: (515) 281-9646

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DES MOINES, IOWA – The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 6.1 percent in March from a revised February rate of 6.0 percent. The comparable rate for one year ago was also 6.1 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate for March edged down to 8.8 percent from 8.9 percent in February, which represented a full percentage drop in the rate since November 2010.

“The hiring pattern that occurred in March provided further assurance that the Iowa economy is moving the right direction,” said Teresa Wahlert, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “State payrolls grew by 11,400 jobs during the first three months of 2011.”

The statewide estimate of unemployed persons edged up to 102,700 in March from 101,700 in February, and 101,900 in March 2010. Contrary to the U.S. trend, Iowa’s labor force participation rate has remained strong, which means that it will take a prolonged period of strong job growth to reduce unemployment in the state.

Employment prospects for Iowans continued to improve in March, as the total number of working Iowans increased to 1,581,200 from the February level of 1,578,900. Total employment stood at 1,567,500 last March.

Contact: Kerry Koonce: (515) 281-9646

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DES MOINES, IOWA – The Iowa job market continued to show improved hiring in February, while the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 6.1 percent. Iowa’s jobless rate was also 6.1 percent for February 2010. Meanwhile, the U.S. jobless rate for February edged down to 8.9 percent, the first time the rate fell below 9.0 percent since April 2009.

“The weak recovery that began in the summer of 2009 appears to be stabilizing,” said Teresa Wahlert, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Nonfarm employment has increased steadily since September, a departure from the slow hiring pattern experienced last summer.”

The pool of unemployed Iowans increased slightly to 102,200 in February from 101,900 in January. The year ago level of 101,500 was 700 less than the current month’s estimate.

The total number of working Iowans advanced to 1,578,900 in February, the highest figure recorded since April 2009. Total employment stood at 1,576,500 in January, and 1,565,600 in February 2010.

You can now access information about projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on your iPhone or iPad - see more here.

Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Greg Nadeau joined local officials yesterday in breaking ground on the Historic Millwork District revitalization and street improvement project designed to help preserve the history of Dubuque, create an urban mixed-use neighborhood and attract and retain a quality workforce for Dubuque's growing economy.

Read more about Historic Millwork Disctrict Revitalization

The original provision – a tax deduction of up to $8,000 – applied only to people buying their first homes between April 8, 2008, and December 1, 2009. The cut-off date has now been extended to April 30, 2010.  Also, a similar credit – up to $6,500 – is now available to current homeowners who buy new principal residences in the same time frame. However, those homeowners must have lived in their previous homes for a five-year consecutive period in the previous eight years before the date they buy the new home.

For either credit:

• New home can cost no more than $800,000
• Individual buyers must have income of $125,000 or less
• Joint tax-filers must have combined income of $225,000 or less

Visit the IRS website for more information.

Oak Hill Jackson Brickstones, an affordable housing project in Cedar Rapids, has begun leasing units in one of two buildings located south of the downtown area.  The architecture displays a touch of urban design and provides character to the neighborhood known as New Bohemia.  Oak Hill Jackson Brickstones is a low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) project developed by Hatch Development Group.  After receiving an allocation of LIHTCs in 2009 the project had a need for gap financing.

Dr. David Blumenthal, MD, MPP, national coordinator for health information technology in the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) today announced an additional $12 million in new technical support assistance to help critical access hospitals (CAHs) and rural hospitals adopt and become meaningful users of certified health information technology. Today’s funding announcement will come through ONC’s Regional Extension Center (REC) program to provide a wide range of support services  to the 1,777 critical access and rural hospitals in 41 states and the nationwide Indian Country, headquartered in the District of Columbia, to help them qualify for substantial EHR incentive payments from Medicare and Medicaid.  This funding is in addition to the $20 million provided to RECs in September 2010 to provide technical assistance to the CAHs and Rural Hospitals. Read More.

On December 2, 2009, Cedar View Apartments Limited Partnership received a Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP) loan of $2,240,367.00 to help finance the construction of Cedar Crest Apartments, a senior affordable housing project in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The project owner received an award of low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) from the Iowa Finance Authority in 2008 and demonstrated a need for the TCAP funds available as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Residents and businesses in geographic areas not served by high-speed Internet providers may qualify for a special Recovery funded program to bring broadband access to them at a reduced price.  Read full story here.

FederalReporting.gov (the Federal Recovery Act Reporting System) is now open for continuous corrections to the State of Iowa's 1512 reports.  If you have corrections to make to your reports, please follow the guidance outlined in Subsection 30.2 of the ARRA reporting guidance.  While the state system can make corrections to any historical reports, we can only make corrections in the federal system on the CY 2010, Qtr 4 report until March 14, 2011.

Recovery Act data reported through period ending December 31, 2010 is now available on the Iowa Recovery website - here.  At this site, citizens are able to filter the data by county, state agency, federal program, ARRA issue area and keyword searches.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of Health and Human Services is alerting the public to the latest scheme to defraud the government and steal money from the American people.  Read more...

Data reported this last reporting cycle for the Recovery Act is now available on the Iowa Recovery website - here.  At this site, citizens are able to filter the data by county, state agency, federal program, ARRA workgroup and keyword searches.

Last Friday, September 24, 2010, OMB released updated guidance on reporting required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Information about the new reporting requirements outlined in the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA).

Chairman of U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee commends Iowa on Implementation of Recovery Act Transportation Funding - see more here.

On May 3rd, the Iowa Department of Management, on behalf of the Iowa Accountability and Transparency Board, held a training session for state agencies and other entities receiving ARRA funding to ensure that Iowa remains in compliance with ARRA requirements. The training focused on sub-recipient monitoring, dealing with complaints and whistleblowers and federal oversight of ARRA funds.

Quarterly Recovery Report has been released to Governor/Lt. Governor - see report here.

 DSM Register Article: Iowa DOT Provides Testimony on ARRA Transportation Projects and Job Creation - read full article here.

The Iowa Office of Energy Independence (OEI) is seeking proposals under the State Energy Program (SEP) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) from municipal organizations in Iowa for projects that will reduce energy use, have a positive impact on budgets and enhance economic development through job creation. Up to $4,000,000 of grant funding is available to be awarded under the program.