The City of Melcher-Dallas has received an $89,000 grant from the DNR Derelict Building Grant Program, to complete asbestos inspection, structural analysis, and renovation of abandoned commercial property. The City plans to create a new library and public meeting space after the project is complete. The program was instituted by statute to help rural communities with populations of 5,000 or less. DBGP funding is awarded annually on a competitive basis with cash matches required. The DNR Derelict Building Grant Program will award grants totaling $630,900 to 20 small, rural Iowa communities to help deconstruct or renovate abandoned structures and limit construction and demolition materials going to the landfill. Applications for the next funding round will be due in spring 2015.