Funding Awards for Business and Property Owners Affected by Flooding Announced
23 JULY, 2019
The Quad Cities Chamber announced that 87 business and property owners affected by flooding in the Quad Cities region will be awarded $431,261 thanks to the generosity of local businesses, foundations and Quad Citizens. An estimated $12 million in damages were sustained by these business and property owners due to the flood.
“This year’s historic flood put a spotlight on the very limited resources available to help businesses recover. Thanks to a very generous Quad Cities community, we are humbled to be able to grant more than $400,000 to businesses throughout the region,” said Paul Rumler, president and CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber. “These impacted businesses are critical to the economic well-being of our region, and the Quad Cities Chamber will continue to advocate for additional resources and new solutions to protect and encourage investment along the region’s riverfronts.”
“In the wake of this year’s historic flooding, there are countless stories of selfless-acts, volunteerism and businesses owners generously helping each other,” said Kyle Carter, Executive Director of the Downtown Davenport Partnership, a division of the Quad Cities Chamber. “Our downtown community has proven to be resilient, and it is our hope that these grants will help get those impacted back on their feet sooner.”
Grow Quad Cities – Iowa Fund Grants
Funding was available for any business directly impacted by floodwater throughout Scott and Rock Island Counties through the Grow Quad Cities – Iowa Fund. Funding could be utilized to cover losses (including equipment, product, revenue and wages). Grow Quad Cities is a 501(c)3 designated nonprofit corporation affiliated with the Quad Cities Chamber that advances the general well-being and prosperity of Scott County and the surrounding region.
63 businesses received funding totaling $201,261
All applicants received funding ranging from $300 to $3,500 each, with 45 receiving the maximum amount
Applications were received from Iowa and Illinois
9 in Illinois
2 in Buffalo
18 in Davenport outside the Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID)
34 within the downtown Davenport SSMID boundaries
Donations came from individuals, corporations, non-profits and foundations as a part of Flood Fest held June 7. Special thanks to major donors: Adler Theatre / RiverCenter, AT&T, Endless Brews / RubberStamps.com, Genesis Health System, Lane & Waterman, MidAmerican Energy, Quad Cities Community Foundation, Quad Cities River Bandits, Regional Development Authority, Ruhl & Ruhl Commercial Company and TBK Bank.
Downtown Davenport SSMID Grants
Funding also was available for downtown Davenport properties directly impacted by flooding for building repairs and capital improvements located within the SSMID through the Downtown Davenport Partnership. Businesses were also eligible to apply for these grants if financing building improvements.
24 business and property owners located within the downtown Davenport SSMID were awarded $192,370
All qualified applicants received funding ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 each, with 17 receiving the maximum amount
An additional $37,630 is pending final approval for several properties seeking bids for improvements
Business and property owners are being notified of the grant awards.