The Coalition members begin each meeting with "Good News" announcements during dinner. Development is difficult and challenging. It is always a pleasant reminder to stay encouraged in their work when so many successes are shared.

Members may submit "Good News" to posted in this area by sending the information to the office via e-mail. Don't forget to include a photograph if you have one handy.

Corning Builds The Iowa House: a test prototype for affordable green housing

The City of Corning broke ground for The Iowa House on September 27. Representatives from the partnering organizations providing technical support and funding were on hand for the ceremony and included: The City of Corning, Adams County Commission on Sustainability, Adams Community Economic Development Corporation, Southern Iowa Council of Governments, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Iowa Finance Authority and the Center on Sustainable Communities.

The Iowa House is designed to capitalize on natural sunlight for heat. It conserves water within and captures rain outside in barrels on the roof which can be used to water the lawn and garden areas. It is a single story dwelling with 1,080 square feet of living area utilizing the newest techniques in insulation. And, it will look like a real house!

The home is estimated to sell for about $120,000. The plan is to monitor energy consumption for one year to make sure its design delivers on energy and cost savings for the home owner.

Corning received a federal grant (Community Development Block Grant) which was leveraged with city funds for a total of $343,000. Corning can use any remaining funds from the program to build more homes for up to five years.