WASHINGTON- Senator Chuck Grassley today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Rural Development has awarded grants and loans totaling $1,947,600 to Iowa through the Community Facility Direct Loan program, the Economic Impact Initiative Grant program and the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program.
“This funding will help better serve as well as provide greater safety for the residents of these rural Iowa areas,” Grassley said.
The Community Facilities Direct Loan program is designed to assist in the development of essential community facilities in rural areas such as the purchase, construction and/or improvement of facilities, the purchase major equipment, and payment of related project expenses, such as legal, engineering, architectural, and environmental fees.
The Economic Impact Initiative Grant Program provides grants to eligible communities with populations under 20,000 to assist with projects that provide an economic stimulus to the communities.
The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program provides funding to develop water and waste disposal, including solid waste disposal and storm drainage, systems in rural areas and towns with a population not in excess of 10,000.
The funds will be distributed from USDA as shown below.
v Norway, Florence Township will receive an $85,000 loan for 20 years at 4.5 percent interest through the Community Facility Direct Loan program to help purchase a new fire tanker-pumper truck.
v Iowa Lakes Regional Water in Spencer will receive a $496,000 loan for 40 years at 3.625 percent interest through the Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loan program to help construct and improve the water system of Emmet County. Approximately 56 new customers will be added to the system.
v Lucas will receive a $12,600 grant through the Economic Impact Initiative Grant program to help purchase a hydraulic pump, airbags, and related emergency equipment.
v Poweshiek Water Association in Brooklyn will receive an $843,000 loan for 40 years at 2.75 percent interest and a $511,000 grant through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program to help construct a gravity flow waste water system with a controlled discharge two-cell lagoon for Barnes City.