State Director Greenfield announces investments in Audubon, Carroll, Cerro Gordo, Crawford, Dubuque, Fayette, Floyd, Greene, Harrison and Sac counties
DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 16, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that the Department is investing $328,553 in grants to plan, repair and rehabilitate housing in eight Iowa counties and providing $100,000 in disaster relief grants for projects in two other counties.
“When we think about building more equitable rural communities, a safe, healthy home is critical,” said Director Greenfield. “Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is working hard to make sure our rural Iowa neighbors have access to safe, affordable housing that can become the bedrock of thriving rural communities where people want to live, work, and pursue economic opportunities.”
Today’s projects are part of a larger nation-wide announcement.
Iowa recipients of Housing Preservation Grants
North Iowa Council of Governments is receiving a $104,276 grant to rehabilitate housing that is owned and occupied by very-low income people. This project will repair furnaces, plumbing, flooring, windows, roofing, siding, and electrical systems. The project will also install or repair accessibility features such as ramps and accessible bathroom fixtures. Once completed, this project will help eliminate health and safety hazards in homes and will improve the living conditions of five homeowners in rural Floyd and Cerro Gordo counties.
Region XII Council of Governments Inc. is receiving a $104,277 grant to rehabilitate housing that is owned and occupied by very-low income people. This project will make necessary repairs to help eliminate health and safety hazards in homes and will improve the living conditions of 15 homeowners in rural Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, and Sac counties.
Iowa recipient of Rural Community Development Initiative Grant
East Central Intergovernmental Association is receiving a $120,000 grant to provide technical assistance and training. This project will enable the association, a council of governments, to assist rural communities and local non-profit organizations with training and technical assistance to rebuild from the impacts of COVID-19, improve the quality of rural life, and plan for resiliency. Once completed, the project will help enhance opportunities in Dubuque County, promote economic recovery, and benefit 57,389 residents of Dubuque and residents of the surrounding rural area.
Iowa recipients of Community Facilities Programs Disaster Grants
The city of Waucoma is receiving a $50,000 grant to help purchase emergency response communication equipment. This project will provide new equipment which is compatible with Fayette County's communication system. Once installed, the equipment will enable emergency responders to serve all residents more effectively in the rural community of Waucoma, population 257, as well as residents of the surrounding rural areas.
The city of Persia in Harrison County is receiving a $50,000 grant to help purchase an ambulance. This project will replace an aging unit in need of repair. Once in operation, the new ambulance will facilitate emergency services for 319 residents of the city and for three surrounding rural townships.
Contact USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.7 million Iowans living in rural communities and areas. Office locations include a state office in Des Moines, along with area offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas in Iowa, call (515) 284-4663 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/ia. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal, and high-poverty areas.
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