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DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 25, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that the Agency is investing $2,788,324 in 12 projects in Iowa that promote rural housing, communities, small businesses, cooperatives, and public safety.
“To ensure that Iowans in small towns and rural neighborhoods have good job opportunities and diverse paths to prosperity, USDA is removing barriers to economic growth by advancing locally driven plans and projects,” said Director Greenfield. “USDA is here with programs designed to help rural communities obtain essential services such as fire trucks, emergency sirens, and affordable housing. For co-ops and small businesses in rural areas, USDA may be one more resource to turn to get a project off the ground, up and running.” Audio: MP3 31 sec 127KB
-Region XII Council of Governments received a $129,972 grant through the Housing Preservation Grants program 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 16 homeowners in rural Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, and Sac counties, in Iowa.
-Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative received a $2,000,000 loan through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. This project will help fund a pass-through loan from the cooperative to Nexus Cooperative. This project will purchase equipment and expand an existing feed mill facility in Elgin in Allamakee County. The project is expected to create five new jobs and promote economic development in this rural area of northeast Iowa.
-City of Grant in Montgomery County received a $46,800 grant through the Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants program to purchase a vehicle. This project will provide the city's fire department with a grass-fire truck to replace a 20-year old model which needs frequent repairs. This project will improve fire protection services and promote the safety of townspeople, fire-fighting personnel, and residents of surrounding townships supported by the city's fire department.
-City of Deloit received a $22,000 grant through the Community Facility Disaster Grants program to purchase an outdoor warning siren system. This project will install, test, and operate a new, omnidirectional siren to warn townspeople of potential danger. For several years, the city has lacked a functioning siren. This project will promote the safety of residents and visitors to this rural Crawford County community.
-University of Northern Iowa received a $199,952 grant through the Rural Cooperative Development Grants program to provide technical assistance. This project will offer services to help establish employee-owned cooperatives to support rural small businesses throughout Iowa. Once completed, this project will promote economic development in rural areas.
Two investments came through the Rural Business Development Grants program.
-The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine received a $97,000 grant through the Rural Business Development Grants program to improve a business incubator in the city of Muscatine. This project will upgrade a shared kitchen space and provide equipment, training, and translation services for people in Muscatine County and Louisa County, Iowa. The project is expected to create one job and to promote economic development in this rural area.
-City of Hawarden received a $140,000 grant through the Rural Business Development Grants program to expand a revolving loan fund. This project will finance local small and emerging businesses through the revolving loan fund. This project is expected to create 14 new jobs. This project will promote economic development and employment opportunities in this rural Sioux County community.
Five Economic Impact Initiative Grants program awards include:.
-City of Keosauqua received a $11,200 grant through the Economic Impact Initiative Grants program to purchase maintenance equipment. This project will provide a spreader/sander to mitigate icy and snowy road conditions in winter. Once in operation, this equipment will promote the safety of motorists and pedestrians during poor weather conditions in this rural Van Buren County community.
-City of Chariton in Lucas County received a $32,500 grant through the Economic Initiative Grants program to purchase a law enforcement vehicle for the police department. This project will improve police protection services for the 4,193 residents of Chariton.
-City of Morley received a $29,500 grant through the Economic Impact Initiative Grants program to purchase equipment. This project will provide one warning siren and several air packs for the city’s fire department to enhance the level of safety of personnel who are fighting fires. This project will also procure a new basket/portable tank for combatting large-scale fire scenes as the city does not have a water tower. Once completed, this project will promote the safety of fire department volunteers and residents of this rural Jones County community and the surrounding rural areas.
-City of Postville received a $48,600 grant through the Economic Impact Initiative Grants program to help purchase a vehicle and related equipment. This project will provide a law enforcement vehicle outfitted to support K9 operations. This project will promote the safety of law enforcement personnel and of residents of this rural Allamakee County community.
-City of Marne received a $30,800 grant through the Economic Impact Initiative Grants program to purchase equipment. This project will provide updated personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus packs for the city’s fire department. This project will promote the health and safety of firefighting personnel and better protect residents of this rural Cass 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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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
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