WASHINGTON - Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Rural Development, has awarded two grants totaling $19,685 to Iowa communities, through the Community Facility and Economic Impact Initiative grant programs.
“These funds bring additional educational and living opportunities to these communities, making Iowa an even better place to live, work and learn,” said Grassley.
The Office of Rural Development will distribute the funds as shown below, organized alphabetically by town.
• The Lamoni Community Day Care Funshine Center, Inc. will receive a $17,985 Community Facility Grant to purchase and install a preschool playground
• The Maquoketa Public Library will receive a $1,700 Economic Impact Initiative Grant to purchase four new computers
According to the USDA, Community Facility Grant program funds may be used to construct, enlarge, or improve community facilities for health care, public safety, and community services. Economic Impact Initiative Grant program funds may be used to assist communities with populations under 20,000 with projects.
Each year, thousands of local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants from the federal government. The funding is then awarded based on each local organization or individual’s ability to meet criteria set by the federal entity.