DES MOINES -- Iowans and businesses affected by this year's storms and flooding are being urged to apply for help through two new programs.

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver announced Tuesday that applications are now available through the Jumpstart Iowa Housing Assistance Program and the Jumpstart Iowa Small Business Assistance Program.

"Now that the flood waters have receded and assistance is moving to communities statewide, I encourage all Iowans who may be eligible for assistance through Jumpstart Iowa to apply," Culver said.

A total of $20 million in forgivable loans is available to affected business owners. To qualify for the loans, they must have already received a disaster loan from the Small Business Administration or from a state or federally chartered financial institution.

Another $20 million will be available for homeowners. Aid is available to pay for home repairs or in the form of down payment assistance for those whose homes were destroyed. Homeowners can also get mortgage assistance while they wait to see if their home will be included as part of a buyout.

More information is available at www.jumpstart.iowa.gov or by calling (866)849-0323.

Residents of Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Iowa City can also get more information from their city government.

Contact Charlotte Eby at

(515) 243-0138 or

chareby@aol.com.