WASHINGTON — Senator Chuck Grassley said today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development is awarding three grants totaling $65,000 to Iowa.
The Office of Rural Development will distribute the funds as shown below.
• Hawkeye will receive $7,000 through the Economic Impact Initiative Program and the Community Facility Grant Program to purchase extrication and other protective equipment.
• The Keosauqua Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. will receive $25,000 through the Community Facility Grant Program to purchase a fire truck called a pumper.
• The Villisca Community School District will receive $33,000 through the Community Facility Grant Program to construct a new playground.
“The grants from these programs go to very small communities nationwide, and enhance economic development efforts by helping improve the quality of life in rural America,” Grassley said.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the Community Facilities Program provides grants, loans and loan guarantees to assist in the development of essential community facilities in rural areas and towns of up to 20,000 in population. The Economic Impact Program provides grants to eligible communities with populations under 20,000 to assist with projects.
Each year, local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants and loans 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 administering the funds.