The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced yesterday (Thursday) that Coon Rapids and Jefferson had each been selected to receive $100,000 for business development projects in their community. For Coon Rapids, their grant award is going to Chuck Bar and Grill on Main Street. The money will be used in conjunction with $141,000 in local match dollars to expand their business into an adjacent building. Jefferson’s award is combined with $161,478 in local match to restore the facade of the building at 100 N. Wilson Ave. and complete renovations to the structure’s two upper-story apartments. These grants are administered through the IEDA’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs. IEDA Director Debi Durham says, “The Main Street Iowa Challenge grants help us revitalize and reinvest in our traditional commercial districts, which is good business. It’s good for our economy and good for our state. These projects will bring new businesses and new residents to our downtown districts.” Eight other communities also receive Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant awards, totaling $3.5 million. Since 2002, when the program started, over $14.6 million has been awarded and leveraged another $68.3 million in further investments in communities throughout the state. A link to the full list of awardees is included with this story on our website.
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