WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Rural Development has awarded three grants totaling $900,000 to Iowa organizations through the Rural Economic Development Grant Program.
“These funds should help Iowa’s rural communities increase economic activity, employment and infrastructure,” Grassley said.
The Office of Rural Development will distribute the funds as shown below.
• Graettinger Municipal Light Plant will receive $300,000 to remodel and make safety improvements to the school equipment buildings and playgrounds in Graettinger and Terril
• Farmers Electric Cooperative, Inc. will receive $300,000 to assist with the renovation and expansion of the Health Trust Physicians Clinic in Winterset
• Greenfield Municipal Utilities will receive $300,000 to assist with the renovation and rehabilitation of the E.E. Warren Opera House in Greenfield
According to the Department of Agriculture, the purpose of the Rural Economic Development Grant Program is to make grants and assistance to establish revolving loan funds for community facilities and infrastructure available to rural communities.
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 administering the funds.