Counties Impacted Include Allamakee, Audubon, Black Hawk, Cerro Gordo, Dallas, Hamilton, Iowa, Lucas, Montgomery and Pocahontas
DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 20, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that the Agency is investing $29,318,797 in 10 rural Iowa projects to expand business opportunities and hospital access and to support waste water sanitation planning.
“From hospitals to fire stations to supporting small businesses, USDA is investing in rural Iowa,” said Director Greenfield. “Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Vilsack, USDA is working with local leaders to build and grow their communities.”
The 10 investments were made through several USDA Rural development programs.
-Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative received a $2,000,000 loan from the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program to help fund a pass-through loan to Iowa Central Community College in Storm Lake. This project will fund construction of a campus learning center. Once completed, the project is expected to promote economic development in this rural Pocahontas County community.
-City of Red Oak received a $30,000 grant from the Water and Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants program to develop a proposal for sewer improvements. This project will provide a plan, in coordination with engineers, which includes alternatives and recommendations to meet the rehabilitation needs of the city's waste disposal system. Once completed, this project will support much-needed sewer upgrades to safeguard human health throughout this rural community in Montgomery County.
Four Project Awards From the Rural Business Development Grants program
-University of Northern Iowa in Black Hawk County received a $78,267 grant to provide technical assistance to small and emerging businesses in Carroll, Marion, and Poweshiek counties. The project will supply project planning, business counseling and training, market research, feasibility studies, and professional reports. It will promote economic development in these rural areas.
-North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation received a $50,000 grant to help provide technical assistance to strengthen local biomass supply chains in Northern Iowa. Based in Mason City, nonprofit North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation is a regional economic development organization serving multiple localities. The project will promote economic development in rural Cerro Gordo County and surrounding areas.
-Perry Economic Development Inc. received a $34,030 grant to help gather data and documents to secure development-ready certificates for an industrial park expansion. Perry Economic Development Inc. is a catalyst organization that supports growth in the city of Perry. The project is expected to promote economic development and create 10 jobs in this rural Dallas County area.
-Lucas County Economic Development LLC received a $101,000 grant to help establish a revolving loan fund to provide loans to small and emerging businesses in Lucas County. The project will allow the nonprofit Lucas County Economic Development based in Chariton to foster growth in Lucas County. The project is expected to encourage a supportive business environment, create five jobs, and save one job in the county.
Four Project Investments From the Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants program
-Compass Memorial Hospital in Marengo in Iowa County received a $24,154,000 loan to renovate and expand. This project will remodel the current facility and surgery room, add to the emergency department and ambulance garage area, and create a negative pressure exam room. Once completed, this project will help improve medical services for residents and visitors in this rural community.
-City of Audubon in Audubon County received a $2,800,000 loan to build a fire station. This project will construct an 11,700 square foot pre-engineered metal building with four apparatus bays, workspace for staff, and equipment and supply storage areas. Once completed, the project will allow fire and rescue vehicles direct access to the main highway to minimize response times during emergencies and promote the safety of residents and travelers.
-City of Waukon received a $21,500 grant to purchase a vehicle. This project will provide a utility truck to support essential municipal operations for road maintenance and snow removal. Once in service, this vehicle will help make transportation routes safer for motorists and pedestrians in this rural Allamakee County community.
-City of Kamrar received a $50,000 grant to purchase a new snowplow to facilitate winter storm operations. This project will help make transportation routes safer for motorists and pedestrians in this rural Hamilton County community.
Contact USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.3 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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