The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development recently announced $2.8 million in funding for Iowa projects, including more than $150,000 for local initiatives. Region XII Council of Governments is among the awardees and received a $129,972 Housing Preservation Grant to rehabilitate homes owned by very low-income residents. The funds will address health and safety hazards and improve living conditions for at least 16 homeowners in Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, and Sac counties. The City of Deloit also received a $22,000 Community Facility Disaster Grant to install a new outdoor warning siren system. The omnidirectional siren will enhance public safety by alerting residents to emergencies in the rural Crawford County community, which has been without a functioning siren for several years. USDA Rural Development State Director Theresa Greenfield says, “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.” Other notable awards include $2 million for the Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative for a new feed mill operation, $140,000 to the City of Hawarden to establish an economic development revolving loan fund, and nearly $200,000 to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) to provide technical assistance to rural small businesses.
Region XII, City Of Deloit Awarded Over $150K From USDA For Rural Development Programs
