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Kim Reynolds taps millions in federal funds from Democrats to invest in downtown housing revitalization projects in Iowa

President Joe Biden’s and Democrats’ infrastructure bill is rebuilding Iowa, despite the efforts of Kim Reynolds and Iowa Congressman who opposed it.  Reynolds and other GOP Reps. in Iowa have had no problem spending these millions of dollars and trying to take credit for it.

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds announced a total of nearly $20 million in investments to support downtown housing projects in 61 Iowa  communities, using federal funds from Democrats that passed President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan.

Reynolds claims the plan will create 466 new homes for Iowans. Awards were made through the Downtown Housing Grant program funded by the federal government, which provides support for downtown revitalization through new housing opportunities in communities with populations of 30,000 or below.

“An adequate housing supply is the lynchpin to attracting and retaining a healthy and flourishing workforce,” said Gov. Reynolds. “The investments announced today will not only provide 466 Iowans the opportunity to live near where they work but they will breathe new life into dozens of underutilized facilities in our communities.”

Examples of projects awarded funds through the program include the former Iowa Mutual Insurance building in DeWitt which will create 53 rental homes; A former middle school in Jefferson will be converted into 25 rental homes; And an historic brewery in Cascade that has sat vacant for the past 25 years will create 10 new rental homes. In North Iowa, 112 E Main Street in Manly will get $300,000 for upper story conversion. Northwood’s 812 Central Avenue will get $300,000 for upper story conversion. Osage’s 702 Main Street will get $600,000 for upper story conversion. Clarion’s 204 N Main Street will get $300,000 for upper story conversion. Decorah’s 207 E. Water Street will get $300,000 for upper story conversion. Emmetsburg’s 2117 Main Street will get $300,000 for upper story conversion.

The program will spur the conversion of a total of two former schools, seven underutilized facilities and 52 upper story buildings into housing.

Kim Reynolds

“This program provides a unique and transformative opportunity to both revitalize our communities and increase our housing stock across the state,” said Gov. Reynolds. “Communities have answered the call for unique and inspiring housing projects, and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition.”

The program had $20 million available for awards and received 94 applications requesting $31 million in funding. Projects were scored on a competitive basis on criteria including project appropriateness, funding and partnerships, impact on housing in the community and population size.

The Downtown Housing Grant Program funds are made available through Federal American Rescue Act State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds. Republicans were in lock step with Reynolds in vehemently opposing the plan to help modernize and improve the quality of life in Iowa. Representatives Ashley Hinson, Randy Feenstra, and Mariannette Miller-Meeks voted against the American Rescue Plan. and Democrat Cindy Axne supported the bill.

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