Guidelines

To warn and educate the public about drowning hazards, dam warning signage fund is now available to be used at all low-head dams on inland navigable rivers and streams in Iowa, not including large border rivers, but including the Big Sioux River. These projects are not required to be in water trail areas. Eligible applicants are dam owners, including divisions of government such the department, other state agencies, federal agencies, or private entities including businesses, corporations, or individuals who own dams.

1. Items eligible for funding. Eligible items may include signs conforming to Iowa DNR guidelines, and supporting posts, cabling, towers, buoys or other site-specific features needed to develop clear lines of sight and adequate warning. Related construction costs are also eligible. Funds may also be used for portage trail construction and related signage.
   
   
2. Maximum amount. For each dam site, a maximum of $15,000 is available per project to be funded at 100 percent. Additional project costs will be considered local costshare.
   
   
3. Applications. Applications for these funds can be submitted on a continual basis using an online form until funds for the available for the fiscal year are exhausted. The Iowa DNR reserves the right to prioritize or deny projects on the basis of project quality, recreational type and numbers of users in a dam area, and funds availability.
   
   
4. Agreements. Before funds are disbursed, the sponsor will enter into a project agreement with the Department, which details requirements and commitments of the dam owner. Dam owners will retain ownership of all dam signs and will be responsible for replacement and maintenance.
   • Review a sample Memorandum of Understanding,*.pdf
   • Review a sample agreement,*.pdf
5. Reimbursement only. Funds will be available only on a reimbursement basis.

TO APPLY, fill out the Dam Signage Fund Application (*.doc file | *.pdf file) and fax it in according to the instructions on the application form. For placement guidelines, see signmanual.pdf.