WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley announced today that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has awarded $61,000 to the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission, which serves Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties, and $60,000 to the Southwest Iowa Planning Council, which serves Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Montgomery, Page and Shelby counties.
According to the Department of Commerce, both planning organizations will use the funds to develop and implement comprehensive economic development strategies for the areas they serve.
“These funds should help diversify and strengthen the economies of these areas,” Grassley said.
According to the Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Administration serves as a venture capital resource to meet the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the U.S. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.