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VINCENT, Iowa — The Town of Vincent is using an Iowa Department of Natural Resources grant to help remove an old building in town.

Vincent is planning to remove the building, in order to make room for new homes to be built.

The town is planning to remove an old elementary school, which closed in 1981.

The DNR Derelict Building Grant Program is targeting Iowa communities of 5,000 people or under. The towns can remove or renovate the old buildings. Each town must match the DNR with cash locally.

Vincent is hoping to attract more residents, due to the expanding economies in near by towns including Fort Dodge, Humboldt, Eagle Grove, and Webster City.

“We just have a lot of pride in our community, it’s very well kept if you go around and look at the small towns, we are one of the cleanest you can find in this area,” said Mayor Lyn Adson.

The City of Vincent is receiving a $50,000 grant for the deconstruction of the old elementary school, which has been not used as a school since 1981. Prior work had been done to remove asbestos. Demolition work will begin

Prior work had been done to remove asbestos. Demolition work will begin after July 1.

“It’s a very big project, and it’s something we’re excited about,” said Mayor Adson. “The DNR’s been great to work with, and we hope to market it for residential growth, and get some new homes in our community.”

According to the DNR, other central Iowa towns also have projects.

Eddyville is obtaining $1,500 to perform structural analysis on an abandoned commercial building which may be torn down.

Carlisle is getting an $800 to inspect for asbestos in an abandoned building, which may be removed to the property will be used by the Fire Department.

Lovilla is getting $20,000 for asbestos and to tear down a building. Plans are to construct a new fire station.

Slater will get $50,000 to abate asbestos and renovate a building. A buyer wants to open a restaurant there on Main Street.

Zearing will receive $17,300 to abate asbestos and do structure analysis on a building that will be removed. The town plans a memorial park on the site.