Keokuk to apply for IEDA remediation funds to demolish 15 abandoned properties

The Keokuk City Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to submit an application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) for remediation funds to demolish 15 nuisance or abandoned properties in a focused area near the SID center.

Jim (speaker 1) described the project as a targeted effort intended to complement nearby downtown redevelopment, noting the state encouraged a concentrated area for stronger impact. He said the application and supporting work were prepared quickly after the fund opened and that the city secured a short extension to submit through the council meeting timeline.

Council discussion included how demolition bids would be handled (each property bid separately) and that replacement housing had not been fully planned. Jim said the city has budgeted $200,000 annually for community-wide housing demolition and that the IEDA request discussed in the meeting was for $270,000 to address 15 units. He also said partners such as Greater Keokuk Impact and programs like Homes for Iowa could help lower rebuild costs.

Residents and participants asked about the street range for the targeted blocks and about possible involvement from local schools and trade programs; staff said they would share the list of properties identified and investigate potential school or college partnerships. Council approved the resolution by voice vote.

Next steps: city staff will submit the IEDA application, proceed with property lists and outreach to property owners where feasible, and bid individual demolition projects if the forgivable loan is awarded.