HomeMy WebLinkAboutA011 - Motion authorizing staff to participate and apply for the 2026 Iowa DNR Solid Waste Alternatives ProgramITEM #:12
DATE:06-09-26
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:2026 IOWA DNR SOLID WASTE ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP)
offers competitive financial assistance for a variety of projects, including source reduction,
recycling and education.
The program provides financial assistance in the form of forgivable loans, zero interest loans,
and 3 percent interest loans. Applications requesting $25,000 or less are considered for
forgivable loans. Applications requesting greater than $25,000 are considered for zero or 3%
interest loans. A 25% minimum cash match is required. Projects are selected through a
competitive process. Emphasis for selected projects is placed on tonnage avoided or reduced,
sustainability, and ability to replicate.
Applications for this ongoing program are due in January and July of each year. Staff is
seeking authorization to submit multiple applications to the SWAP program for
equipment and infrastructure related to the Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus
(R3C). The DNR has indicated that it is acceptable to submit multiple applications in the
same round of funding. Because the SWAP program evaluates projects individually,
staff believes submitting separate applications for eligible project components will
maximize the City's competitiveness and potential funding opportunities.
Staff has identified several components of the R3C project that align well with SWAP program
objectives and intends to submit six separate applications for the project elements listed
below. Each City of Ames application will request the maximum amount for a forgivable loan,
$25,000, for a total requested funding of $150,000.
Shredder
Drum magnet
Eddy current separator
Customer convenience center
Yard waste area
Trucks and trailers
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Authorize staff to participate in the DNR's SWAP program as described above and apply
for grants.
2. Do not authorize staff to apply for or participate in the DNR's SWAP program.
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CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The proposed applications represent an opportunity to leverage state funding to reduce
project costs while advancing the City's goals related to waste diversion. If awarded,
grant funding would offset a portion of project costs associated with the R3C
development. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council
adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
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