DES MOINES – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield announced that the Agency is investing $15,967,000 in loans and $1,124,000 in grants to four projects in four Iowa counties to promote rural economic development, job creation, and health services.
“Rural communities are great places to build a business and raise a family,” said Director Greenfield. “With the support of USDA and the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, communities can leverage these investments to create rural jobs and build a stronger healthcare system for rural Iowans.”
Three projects received funding through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.
-Corn Belt Power Cooperative received a $1,232,000 loan to fund a pass-through loan to Pocahontas Community Hospital in Pocahontas County. This project will help enable the hospital to renovate 12 patient exam rooms, the pharmacy, work/business office reception areas and to construct a 230 square-foot addition to provide a new public restroom and reception room. Once completed, the project will increase patient access, assist medical professionals in delivering quality healthcare, and promote economic development in this rural area.
-Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative received a $2,000,000 loan to fund a pass-through loan to Sedes Group LLC to purchase and install equipment for a startup business. This project will provide a material flow system; an extruder; a cutter and feeder; a dryer/cooler; and a separator at a facility in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa. Sedes Group LLC is a Limited Liability Company headquartered in Boone County, Missouri, which plans to develop animal feed and human-grade consumption products using organic and non-GMO soybeans. Once completed, the project is expected to increase employment opportunities for residents of this rural area and promote economic development.
-Hawarden Municipal Utilities received a $124,000 grant to expand a revolving loan fund. This project will provide financing through the city of Hawarden to five businesses. The project will stabilize and increase local employment opportunities and promote economic development in this rural Sioux County community.
The fourth project was funded through the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program. Aase Haugen Homes Inc. in Decorah received a $12,735,000 loan and a $1,000,000 grant to build a nursing home with assisted living and dementia care units. This project will provide updated care facilities to improve critical health services to this Winneshiek County community and the rural surrounding area.
USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.3 million Iowans living in rural communities and areas. Office locations include a state office in Des Moines, along with area offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.
I am sure our Governor will take credit for this.