Dubuque homeowners eligible for $5K forgivable loan to help replace lead pipes

Dubuque, Iowa (KCRG) -The city of Dubuque offers authorized homeowners a forgiving loan of 5,000 US dollars to replace lead service lines.

Christopher Lester, Manager of the Dubuque Water Department, says that the service lines that carry water in houses from the city were not installed until 1945 in Dubuque. He estimates that more than 5,000 lead pipes remain in Dubuque.

According to Lester, the city adds to the water for the water to protect against lead corrosion. However, eliminating the threat has a priority.

“It's all very proactive. We are not in any response to management health problems. The financing was there, ”explains Lester. “The opportunity to use it was there, and the ultimate goal is to get the lead out.”

The city started a free pilot project for a free lead pipe replacement for a 3,200 home area, including Dubuques North End. One of the homeowners approved under the pilot is 95-year-old Jim Lewis.

Lewis' at home was built in 1910. It is skeptical of the durability of the lead pipes.

“We put so much money away for it. Years ago we bought a CD and everything, and we put it in a bank and forgot it in case something happened, ”explains Lewis. “After 60, 80, I think that you need a break, don't you think?”

As part of the city's program, the savings of Lewis will grow for a further investment, another day.

According to Lester, the city has received interest from home owners in all of Dubuque and prompted the city council to expand the program for the entire city this month. However, the forgiving loan is limited to 5,000 US dollars.

“We wish we could do more. We wish we had an unlimited pot of money with which we could do this, but to do a third or even half of these costs for the customer, I think it is a good start, ”says Lester.

According to Lewis, it is important to replace the main lines when he looks at the future of his family.

“I feel better because of my daughters. I think the house would make the house a little better and more valuable, ”says Lewis. “I won't be there forever.”

The following is the maximum amount that a household can do based on the number of people in the apartment to calculate the program:

  • 1 person household – 57,050 US dollars
  • 2 people household – 65,200 US dollars
  • 3 people household – 73,350 USD
  • 4 people household – 81,450 USD
  • 5 people household – 88,000 US dollars
  • 6 people household – 94,500 US dollars
  • 7 people household – 101,000 US dollars
  • 8 people household – 107,550 USD
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