According to USDA Rural Development, over $2.8 million is being invested in 12 rural Iowa projects to enhance fire safety, housing, small businesses, and cooperatives.
This funding, spearheaded by Iowa State Director Theresa Greenfield, includes grants and loans across multiple programs to address local needs.
Director Greenfield stated: “USDA is here with programs designed to help rural communities obtain essential services such as fire trucks, emergency sirens, and affordable housing.”
The Region XII Council of Governments received $129,972 to rehabilitate housing for very-low-income residents across five counties, improving safety and living conditions for 16 homeowners.
The City of Grant in Montgomery County secured $46,800 to purchase a replacement grass-fire truck, enhancing fire protection services.
Additionally, Deloit was granted $22,000 for an omnidirectional warning siren system after years without a functional siren.
The USDA also provided substantial support for economic development projects in Iowa.
The Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative received a $2 million loan to help expand a feed mill facility in Elgin, creating five new jobs.
The University of Northern Iowa was awarded $199,952 to assist rural small businesses in forming employee-owned cooperatives.
This initiative aims to strengthen local economies by providing technical and operational support.
Muscatine County saw funding for a shared kitchen business incubator, with the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine awarded $97,000.
Hawarden received $140,000 to expand a revolving loan fund to finance small and emerging businesses, expected to generate 14 new jobs.
Five grants under the Economic Impact Initiative program targeted fire safety and public infrastructure in rural Iowa.
These included funding for new firefighting equipment, emergency vehicles, and warning systems to protect residents and first responders.
The City of Morley received $29,500 for a fire warning siren, air packs, and a portable water tank to aid firefighting in areas without a water tower.
In Marne, $30,800 was allocated for updated personal protective equipment for its fire department.
Chariton and Postville both secured funding for law enforcement vehicles, with Postville’s vehicle designed to support K9 operations.
Several projects aim to improve daily living conditions and safety in Iowa’s rural areas.
The City of Keosauqua received $11,200 for maintenance equipment to mitigate icy road conditions.
These investments aim to enhance safety and infrastructure in small towns across the state.
Greenfield highlighted the importance of these grants, emphasizing that they help remove barriers to economic growth while supporting local initiatives in rural Iowa.
The USDA Rural Development program is investing $2,788,324 across 12 projects in Iowa.
These initiatives address fire safety, housing rehabilitation, and economic development.
Highlights include $46,800 for a new grass-fire truck in Grant, $22,000 for a warning siren in Deloit, and $30,800 for protective equipment in Marne.
Economic development projects include a $2 million loan for a feed mill expansion in Elgin and $129,972 for housing repairs in five counties.
These investments are expected to create jobs, improve fire safety, and enhance living conditions in rural Iowa.
