WASHINGTON — Senator Chuck Grassley said today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development is awarding two grants totaling $1,187,000 and a $590,000 loan to Iowa.
Community Childcare of Manchester will receive a $50,000 grant through the Community Facility Program to construct a new building. Rowan will receive a $1,137,000 grant and a $590,000 loan through the Water and Waste Disposal Program to construct a central sewage system.
“These funds should help ensure Manchester and Rowan residents have access to vital community services,” 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, and the Water and Waste Disposal Program provides funding to develop water and waste disposal systems, including solid waste disposal and storm drainage, in rural areas and towns with a population not in excess of 10,000.
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.