Eleven Iowa projects received U.S. Department of Agriculture grants and/or loans totaling more than $28.6 million, USDA rural development state director Theresa Greenfield announced this week.
The project funding will “help communities modernize utilities, businesses, and educational opportunities. None of that is possible without clean water and sanitation,” Greenfield said in a statement.
The announcement came as U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was announcing a total of $124 million in USDA funding for projects in 44 states, including 30 in Iowa.
The 11 projects that Greenfield announced received funding from three programs:
Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program:
Butler County Rural Electric Cooperative received a $1,372,320 loan to fund a pass-through loan to Bovy RX LLC, doing business as Parkersburg Pharmacy. This project will assist with the acquisition and renovation of a pharmacy in Parkersburg.
North West Rural Electric Cooperative received a $1 million loan to help fund a pass-through loan to Northwestern College to build a residence hall on the Orange City campus.
Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant program:
The City of Elk Horn received a $2,739,000 loan to help improve the controlled discharge lagoon wastewater treatment facility.
Harlan Municipal Utilities received a $2,644,000 loan to provide additional funding to improve the water system for the city of Harlan in Shelby County.
City of Linn Grove in Buena Vista County received a $994,000 loan and a $1,700,000 grant to help connect its water system with Iowa Lakes Regional Water’s bulk-treated water supply.
Regional Water, a rural water association based in Avoca, received a $4,324,000 loan to help expand water service.
Alta Municipal Utilities received a $10,405,000 loan and a $2,995,000 grant to provide clean drinking water to the city of Alta.
The City of Randolph received a $351,000 loan to provide additional financing to help improve the sewer collection system, lift station, and sewer lagoon system.
Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) grant program:
The City of Humeston received a $30,000 grant to help complete a stormwater facility plan.
The City of Farmington received a $30,000 grant to help complete a preliminary engineering report to evaluate the city’s aging sewer system for deficiencies and repairs needed.
The City of Castana received a $25,000 grant to help complete a water facility plan with options and recommendations prepared by professional engineers.
